Rural Women Rising: Building Resilient Futures Through Empowerment and Innovation

By Staff Writer

Murape Primary School in Seke District, Mashonaland East Province, on Thursday came alive with colour, song, and hope as the nation marked the National Launch of the International Day of Rural Women, under the theme “Rural Women Rising – Shaping Resilient Futures with Beijing+30.”

The event, led by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, celebrated the vital role rural women play in shaping resilient communities, driving agricultural productivity, and contributing to Zimbabwe’s social and economic development.

In her keynote address, Sen. Mutsvangwa underscored that rural women are the bedrock of both families and national progress — the silent champions who till the land, nurture families, and uphold traditions while contributing immensely to food security and economic stability.

“Across the globe, rural women are the backbone of families and communities. Yet, they often remain on the margins of progress, facing barriers such as limited access to education, digital skills, markets, and financial resources,” Sen Mutsvangwa explained.

Championing the Beijing+30 Vision

This year’s theme links the commemoration to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global framework for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Sen. Mutsvangwa noted that Zimbabwe’s participation in this global milestone reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunity, and gender-responsive development.

She also highlighted that the theme resonates with the African Union’s call for reparatory justice and inclusive agri-food systems, aligning closely with the Second Republic’s focus on climate-smart agriculture, digital inclusion, and community resilience.

Empowering Women in the Digital EraA key highlight of the event was the launch of the Mudzimayi Wanhasi Empowerment Hub, a transformative initiative developed in partnership with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and supported by the French Embassy.

The Hub aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping rural women with essential digital literacy skills, including online marketing, e-commerce, mobile banking, and digital finance tools, enabling them to grow their enterprises and access wider markets.

“By embracing digital tools and innovation, we can strengthen women’s economic independence, enhance community development, and ensure that no woman is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital era,” Sen Mutsvangwa emphasized.

French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Paul Bertrand Barets, was commended for his country’s support towards the initiative, which seeks to create a lasting impact in rural communities by linking technology, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment.

Driving Climate-Smart and Inclusive Development

Sen. Mutsvangwa said the Mudzimayi Wanhasi Empowerment Hub will not only advance digital literacy but also strengthen climate-smart agriculture by providing farmers with access to real-time weather data, market prices, and modern farming techniques.

These tools will help rural women adapt to climate change, improve productivity, and sustain livelihoods.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s access to financial resources through the Ministry’s four key facilities: the Women Development Fund, Zimbabwe Community Development Fund, Women’s Microfinance Bank, and SMEDCO.

These instruments, she said, are being integrated with digital financing solutions to ensure women in even the most remote areas can access credit and grow their businesses through mobile platforms.

Rural Women: Agents of Change and Sustainability

Sen. Mutsvangwa challenged rural women to take the lead in transforming their communities through sustainable and inclusive practices.

She outlined key areas of action:

Building Climate Resilience: Women should lead in adopting and sharing climate-smart farming techniques, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable water use.

Championing Food Security: By diversifying crops, forming cooperatives, and embracing modern technologies, women can strengthen local food systems.

Protecting the Environment: Through tree planting, soil conservation, and responsible land use, women can safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Raising Voices in Leadership: Women must actively participate in local and national decision-making processes, sharing indigenous knowledge and shaping equitable environmental governance.

Leaving No Woman Behind

As the sun set over Murape Primary School, the atmosphere was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

The celebration not only honoured the resilience and creativity of rural women but also reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s collective resolve to empower them as agents of transformation.

“When rural women thrive, families prosper, communities flourish, and the nation advances,” the Minister declared.

“Together, let us build a future where every rural woman has the tools, skills, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, driving inclusive growth, equality, and sustainable development.”

With that, Senator Mutsvangwa officially launched the International Day of Rural Women and the Mudzimayi Wanhasi Empowerment Hub, marking another milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward inclusive empowerment and digital transformation.