A TRANSFORMATIVE project of dairy cows aimed at empowering rural women in the outlying areas of Mudzi district, Mashonaland East province, was launched on Thursday.
The progressive approach is being spearheaded by Nyahunure Community Organisation in collaboration with funding partners Christian Aid through the In Their Lifetime (ITL) funding initiative.
The Women Dairy Business Hubs are established under the Women Economic Empowerment — Mother’s Cow (Mombe YaAmai) project.
The much-hyped project was hosted at the Sajeni Women dairy business hub in Ward 9.
The Mombe YaMai project leverages the traditional custom of “mother’s cow” to promote livestock ownership among women outside of dowry negotiations.
By emphasising the significance of livestock ownership for women, the project aims to empower them both economically and socially.
This initiative is targeting 3000 smallholder farmers (at 60% women) covering wards 3, 7, 9, 13 and 16 of Mudzi and aims to enhance household food security and contribute to the overall wealth of farming families in the usually dry area.
The project also aims to enhance rural women’s organisational capacity, decision-making abilities and access to resources for dairy and beef enterprises.
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By doing so, it will ensure that women have greater food, income and nutrition security for their households.
The launch was attended by stakeholders from the community, government line ministries at district, provincial and national levels, and key representatives from private sectors, including Mafuro Pastures and Seeds, Vision Engineering, Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, Red Dane Farms, Zimbabwe Dairy Services, Farmyard and Farm Distributors, and Diamond Insurance among others.
Francis Pawandiwa, the director for Nyahunure Community Organisation, shared his excitement about the project.
“This project is a transformative opportunity for us and women in our community.
“By localising business investments, we are supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy,” Pawandiwa said.
“We believe that empowering women leads to stronger communities, and we are proud to be part of this important initiative.
“The community is ready, and we are excited to celebrate this significant milestone together.”
A government official from the Women Affairs ministry called on community engagement that will transform women.
“By empowering women and youth in agriculture, we are contributing to this vision of economic growth, improved livelihoods and social equity,” the officialsaid.
“The success of the Mombe YaMai project will not only uplift our local communities, but also play a vital role in the broader economic development of Zimbabwe.”
The official added: “I encourage all participants involved in this project to fully engage in the training and resources provided.
“Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Your success will not only uplift your families, but will also contribute to the broader economic growth of our community.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality. Together, we can drive transformative socio-economic change in Mudzi district.”
The project covers eight hectares under Women Dairy Business Hubs (Sajeni ward 9, 22 members; Chaku ward 3, 24 members) established in Mudzi district, featuring essential infrastructure such as security fencing, water systems, 1 600 cactus plots, paddocks, milking parlour, Star Link internet system, four T-rex dairy in-calf heifers, and one bull.
Each group contributed one dairy cow, creating a robust foundation and ownership for women farmers to operate their businesses efficiently and sustainably.
The women-led hubs are now operational, each comprising approximately 25 women farmers.
Their operational status marks a significant advancement in ensuring that women have a direct stake in their economic futures.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Women Dairy Business Hubs through ITL support,” said Auline Chapisa, Christian Aid country director.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering women in Mudzi district.
“By providing them with the resources and support they need, we are fostering economic independence and building sustainable livelihoods for families in the community.”
