Jennifer Rupiya, female carpenter from the outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe, started her business, Charlywood Investments six years ago. Her interest in the profession developed from her previous job of selling snacks to the carpenters.
Her journey so far in penetrating the market has not been an easy ride, she said. Being a woman she faced reluctance from the customers although now the numbers are beginning to improve.
She aims to open at least three shops outside the city. Currently she has been able to make sales up to 2000 US dollars, she said.
Jennifer says she wants to encourage other women to follow her lead and challenge themselves, even in areas considered a preserve for men, so they can become successful entrepreneurs and at the same time help change perceptions about women.
