Girls leading the way!

Food security in Zimbabwe, once known as the breadbasket of Africa, is nowadays threatened by economic and political instability as well as climate change. Girls and young women are particularly affected as sexual and gender-based violence increase during food crises. With the “Girls leading the way” project, SA4D and its local partner organisation Mangwende Orphan Care Trust (MOCT) are aiming to contribute to a resilient and diversified livelihood for girls and young women in Murewa district in eastern Zimbabwe.

Combining traditional and ecological practices

The project integrates traditional knowledge with ecological practices by reviving the local social security system known as Zunde raMambo: Communities come together to cultivate plots and distribute yields to vulnerable members. Complemented by regenerative agroforestry, this farming practice enables communities to achieve sustainable and resilient land management and ensure food security amidst the challenges of climate change. Additionally, young women receive entrepreneurship trainings to pursue self-employment and create income-generating opportunities through selling agroforestry products.

It takes an entire village…

Stigmas surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women still persist in Zimbabwe. Awareness activities for various community members such as boys, teachers and health care worker as well as for the girls and young women themselves aim at supporting them in making self-determined decision in a supportive environment.

SA4D is providing training and capacity strengthening to the partner organisation MOCT which will continue these activities in the long term. They will act as local multipliers and pass on their knowledge to strengthen future girls and their environment.