WOMEN participating in a training workshop in Goromonzi have been empowered with knowledge on ending gender-based violence (GBV), advancing gender equality and securing land rights as the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) continues its Popular and Peasant Feminism training programme.
The workshop, which brought together women farmers from Goromonzi, Mutoko, Mhondoro and Zvimba, focused on strengthening women’s capacity to challenge discrimination, participate fully in agribusiness and advocate for their rights in their communities.
Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Juru Victim Friendly Unit facilitated sessions on the characteristics and principles of popular feminism, as well as global, national and local campaigns aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
The officers stressed the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and encouraged participants to report all forms of GBV and actively engage in community programmes that promote the protection of women and children.
“Every woman has the right to personal security and protection from violence,” said officers from the ZRP Juru Victim Friendly Unit.
“We encourage women to report cases of abuse, participate in awareness campaigns and utilise available support services.
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“The ZRP offers counselling services and other interventions to assist survivors of gender-based violence. Women should seek protection orders whenever they are subjected to abuse.”
The officers noted that collective action from families, communities and institutions remains critical in addressing violence against women.
“Violence against women remains a major challenge in society and there is a need for collective action at family, community and national levels to end all forms of abuse.
“Women must be empowered with information on their rights and the available support systems.”
Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network representative Fadzai Ruzive led discussions on agribusiness, women’s land rights, property rights and the role of traditional leaders in promoting gender equality.
“Women play a critical role in agriculture and agribusiness, yet many continue to face different forms of violence and discrimination that limit their participation and productivity,” she said.
“Addressing these challenges is essential for sustainable rural development.”
Ruzive emphasised that access to and control over land are fundamental to women’s economic independence and food sovereignty.
“Women must be aware of their legal rights and be empowered to claim and protect them.
“As the Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network, we have sensitised peasant farmers from Goromonzi, Mutoko, Mhondoro and Zvimba on land rights, property rights, agribusiness, violence against women and the role of traditional leadership in promoting and protecting women’s rights as they carry out farming activities.”
She added that the trainings were conducted through ZIMSOFF and were guided by several legal frameworks, including the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No 13, the Traditional Leaders Act, the Communal Lands Act, the Rural District Councils Act, the Domestic Violence Act and the Mines and Minerals Act.
Participants said the training equipped them with practical knowledge to challenge harmful social norms, strengthen their economic activities and advocate for equal rights and opportunities within their communities.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to empower rural women farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to promote gender justice, sustainable agriculture and inclusive rural development.