Empowering Women in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, many organisations including Lains are working hard to help women start businesses and grow food in nutrition gardens.
Skills Training and Business Clubs
The Ministry of Women Affairs in Zimbabwe has programs to teach women practical skills. In 2024, they helped over 123,000 women learn how to make things like soap, detergent, and food. They also trained women in farming, such as raising chickens (popularly known as road runner) and pigs.
The government also helps start Women Empowerment Clubs which are like small groups (managable number) where women irrespective of marital status learn together. They learn about leadership, how to manage money, and how to start a small sustainable business. By working in clubs, women can share ideas instead of gossiping and help each other. Mai Mufaro of Gambiza said " ini zvangu ndinofara nokuda kweclub yemadzimai nekuti nguva yemakuhwa hatisisina" (Iam so happy about the clubs for wmen as now we no longer have time for gossiping). They can also get small loans from banks made for women, like the Women’s Microfinance Bank after getting letters fron Sabhuku and councellors of that particular ward. Women skills training in community development creates jobs, feeds families, and builds lasting independence
Farming and Local Markets
In a place called Umguza, in Matabeleland North, the local council started a project to help women with farming drought resistant crops and small grains. They also focused on horticulture, which means growing vegetables and fruit for the market. The council gave women training on how to run a business. As a result of this project, a group called the Thuthukani Luthi B Project was started. This project created jobs for 29 women and 16 young girls. The council also made a rule that 30% of all its shopping must be done from businesses owned by women. This guarantees that women have a place to sell their goods with the multiplier effect since money will be going round and round within the locality.