Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
WOMEN in Gutu District are embracing economic empowerment through community-led income-generating projects that are transforming livelihoods and strengthening household incomes.
What started as a small initiative by women in Gutu West Constituency to improve their livelihoods and support their families has grown into one of the district’s leading women empowerment programmes.
The Women in Grace group, which now has more than 80 members, has expanded into horticulture and goat production, with its success inspiring the formation of similar groups across Gutu District.
“We started this group some time ago as women focusing on improving our homes; however, we are happy that we continue to grow and now we are 82 members, and we have got other groups coming. We work together as a team as we raise our funds, and we have so far managed to drill more than 10 boreholes for horticulture projects for group members. Last year we were focusing on citrus fruits, and today, we are sharing our goats with each member getting five and above,” Women in Grace Group Chairperson Ms Eliza Bote said.
“Since I joined this group, my life has improved for the better; I am now able to send my children to school, raise my own income, and the initiative has reduced the incidence of gender-based violence within our families,” a group member, Ms Monica Mavindidze said.
The group, one of several operating across Gutu District under the patronage of Mrs Shellah Matuke with support from area legislator Honourable John Paradza, gathered at the weekend to share goats among its members.
The event also attracted women in leadership positions from across Masvingo Province, who pledged to replicate the empowerment model in their respective communities.
“We are happy that this programme started with a simple vision of seeing women improving their homes and becoming self-reliant. Though I am part of this group, I am proud to see women who started with very little now owning goats, producing crops and engaging in different projects that are transforming their lives,” Ms Matuke said.
This shows that when women come together and support each other, they can achieve great things. What we have witnessed here is a clear demonstration that empowering women has a direct impact on communities. These women have shown that with commitment, determination and support, they can create wealth and improve the welfare of their families,” Ms Euphrasia Chadzamira added.
Addressing the gathering, ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa challenged women to fully utilise the empowerment programmes being implemented by the Second Republic.
“The government of the Second Republic has put in place various empowerment programmes to ensure that women are not left behind in economic development. I want to encourage you, women, to take advantage of these opportunities, work together and venture into productive projects that create wealth for themselves, their families and their communities. We are looking forward to seeing these empowerment programmes spreading across the province.”
As government rolls out women empowerment programmes across the country, these initiatives are enabling women to create wealth, build resilient communities and play an increasingly significant role in driving rural development and economic growth.
