Takudzwa Mangrozah and Anotida Chonzi
WOMEN’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has called for greater recognition of rural women’s role in shaping resilient futures as Zimbabwe marks the 2025 International Day of Rural Women.
Speaking at the national launch of the commemorations, held under the theme “Rural Women Rising: Shaping Resilient Futures with Beijing+30,” Minister Mutsvangwa said the day highlights the vital contribution of women in rural areas to food security, climate resilience, and national development.
“Rural women are at the heart of Zimbabwe’s food systems, natural resource management, and local economies,” she said.
“They play vital roles as farmers, traders, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.”
The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated globally every year on October 15. Minister Mutsvangwa said women make up 61 percent of the farming population and contribute 70 percent of agricultural labour.
Despite this, many still face challenges such as limited access to land, credit, technology, and markets.
To address these issues, Minister Mutsvangwa mentioned several government initiatives aimed at uplifting women, which include the Women’s Development Fund (WDF), which provides affordable credit to women entrepreneurs, the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund (ZCDF) for food security and community projects, and the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB), which promotes financial inclusion and literacy.
She also mentioned partnerships with development organisations to equip women with skills in food processing, poultry, textiles, and other sectors.
Next year, the ministry will roll out a programme to improve digital skills for women in both urban and rural areas.
“Access to markets remains a challenge, my ministry provides opportunities through exhibitions, shows, and fairs, such as the one we have today.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said this year’s celebration will see the launch of the Mudzimayi Wanhasi Empowerment Hub in Seke, an ICT hub for women and girls.
The project, developed in partnership with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, is located at Murape Primary School and aims to boost women’s participation in the digital economy.
“This hub will serve as a platform for digital empowerment, skills development, and enterprise growth for rural women,” she said.
The initiative supports the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030, which promote inclusive economic participation through technology.
She said the national launch will be held at Murape Primary School in Mashonaland East Province on October 23. The event will include exhibitions, entertainment, financial and health services, and the recognition of outstanding rural women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
“I encourage women to be productive and add value to the resources we have in rural areas,” said Mutsvangwa.
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