As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, the world is facing a gender inequality crisis. The trend put the hard-won gains at risk, despite substantive progress made towards achieving gender equality.
According to the United Nations Development 2024 report, 80% of food production in developing countries is done by women, however, less than 1 in 5 smallholder farmers owning land are women [UNDP 2024].
This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, calls for inclusive conversation to confront gender equality challenges and pave the way forward to deliver permanent acceleration towards equal opportunities and rights for women and girls.
It is impossible to achieve sustainable development when women’s potential remains constrained by inequality and discrimination. Increasing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and decision-making power gives women the bargaining power to practice their agency and thrive in society. Women’s contributions are essential to creating a sustainable future for everyone, thus, investing in women and girls remains the best investment.
Since 1980, DAPP Zimbabwe has collaborated with the government to foster a more equitable society, promoting women’s and girls’ access to education, economic empowerment, safe working environments, and civic participation.
One success story of the Tamuka Internal Savings and Lending group from Ward 16, Sikero Village, Musiiwa in Shamva! Which started in 2022. This group of 18 members contributes $10 monthly, pooling their resources to save. They also lend each other the money at a 20% interest rate, repayable within an agreed-upon timeframe. At the end of the 2024, the group combines their savings and accrued interest to purchase essential items such as agricultural inputs, food items and educational materials worth USD $4,320. These items are then shared equally among the members.
DAPP’s initiatives have a broad reach, spanning multiple projects. In our agricultural projects, women are empowered through active participation in farming and Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS), acquiring new skills that enhance their household income and decision-making power. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, DAPP addresses persistent disparities affecting women, youth and persons with disabilities, striving to improve their socio-economic status.
Furthermore, DAPP’s vocational skills training programs at Ponsai Vanhu Technical College (PVTC) offers young women, including adolescent girls and persons with disabilities, a pathway to education and economic independence, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
