Mombe yaMai project set to transform women's lives

A transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural women through dairy farming was officially launched on Thursday in Mudzi district. The project, known as Women Dairy Business Hubs, is part of the Women Economic Empowerment - Mother's Cow (Mombe YaAmai) programme, spearheaded by Nyahunure Community Organisation with support from Christian Aid through the In Their Lifetime (ITL) funding initiative.

The project leverages the traditional "mother's cow" custom to promote livestock ownership among women outside dowry negotiations, giving them greater control over household resources and income. The hubs aim to boost both economic and social empowerment, enhance food security, and contribute to overall household wealth in the typically dry Mudzi district.

Targeting 3,000 smallholder farmers, 60% of whom are women, the initiative spans wards 3, 7, 9, 13, and 16. Each Women Dairy Business Hub is now operational, comprising approximately 25 women farmers, and features essential infrastructure such as security fencing, water systems, 1,600 cactus plots, paddocks, a milking parlour, Star Link internet connectivity, four in-calf T-Rex dairy heifers, and one bull. Each participating group also contributed one dairy cow, ensuring ownership and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch at the Sajeni Women Dairy Business Hub in Ward 9, Francis Pawandiwa, director of Nyahunure Community Organisation, described the project as a "transformative opportunity" for local women and the broader 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."

A government representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs encouraged community engagement to ensure the project's success, stressing the role of women and youth in driving economic growth, improving livelihoods, and fostering social equity.

"This initiative will not only uplift our local communities but also play a vital role in Zimbabwe's broader economic development," the official said. "Participants are urged to fully engage with the training and resources provided, as their success contributes to the wider community."

Christian Aid Country Director Auline Chapisa highlighted the significance of the project for women's empowerment in Mudzi.

"By providing women with the resources and support they need, we are fostering economic independence and building sustainable livelihoods for families in the community," Chapisa said.

The project currently operates on eight hectares across multiple hubs, including Sajeni (Ward 9, 22 members) and Chaku (Ward 3, 24 members). With infrastructure, livestock, and training in place, the Women Dairy Business Hubs mark a key milestone in enabling rural women to take control of their economic futures.