Zimbabwe: Rising Above: A Sanyati Woman’s Triumph Over Adversity

In the rural district of Sanyati, Zimbabwe, Kudzi* has emerged as a symbol of resilience and transformation. In her community she has become a quiet force of change, one whose journey reflects both personal triumph and broader empowerment for rural women. Kudzi’s life, like that of many women in remote Zimbabwean communities, was once shaped by poverty, limited access to education, and few economic opportunities. A mother of two, she struggled to provide even the basics for her children.  

“Before, I was struggling to make ends meet. I didn't know how I was going to feed my children or send them to school,” Kudzi later reflected. “But thanks to the training and support I received, I was able to start my own business and now I'm able to provide for my family. I'm so proud of what I've achieved and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a role model for other women in my community.” 

Her transformation began when she joined a local NGO initiative focused on equipping rural women with vocational training, entrepreneurship skills, counselling, and access to finance. Through this programme, Kudzi received mentorship, joined peer-support groups, and eventually secured microfinance funding to launch her own craft-based business, producing traditional Zimbabwean baskets and pottery. 

Counselling sessions helped her rebuild her confidence, and participating actively in group discussions—a stark contrast to her earlier withdrawn state. 

Local leaders quickly began to notice the shift. Mrs Moyo, a local government official, praised the initiative’s impact, saying, “The impact of this project has been tremendous. We've seen a significant increase in the number of women starting their own businesses and creating jobs in the community. Kudzi is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right support and training. She's an inspiration to others and we're proud to have her as part of our community.” 

As Kudzi’s business expanded, she created five new jobs, employment that provided other rural women with stable incomes averaging $200 per month. Her success also improved her family’s livelihood. With her increased earnings, her children began attending school consistently, and her family gained regular access to healthcare and improved food security. According to project monitoring data, beneficiaries in the programme, including Kudzi, reported a 30% increase in monthly income and significant improvements in household well-being. 

Community leaders spoke openly about her influence. Rumbidzai, a local community leader, remarked, “Kudzi's transformation has been amazing to see. She's gone from being a struggling single mother to a successful entrepreneur and role model. Her business is thriving and she's creating jobs and opportunities for others. She's proof that with the right support and resources, women can achieve great things and make a real difference in their communities.” 

Kudzi’s progress has also inspired a wave of community-wide change. Women who once lacked confidence are now enrolling in vocational courses, forming business groups, and seeking mentorship. In one of the documented peer-support sessions, women openly discuss challenges and celebrate milestones together, an atmosphere strengthened in part by Kudzi’s visible success. 

Sustainability plans for the programme include institutionalizing training within community structures, establishing mentorship networks, creating a community fund for women entrepreneurs, and expanding the model to other districts. Through partnerships with local government, NGOs, and donors, the initiative aims to replicate Kudzi’s success story across rural Zimbabwe. 

For now, in Sanyati, Kudzi stands as proof of what empowerment can achieve. Her baskets and pottery travel far beyond her once-isolated village, mirroring the path her own life has taken from limitation to possibility. Her story continues to ripple outward, changing not just her family’s trajectory but the aspirations of many women who now see entrepreneurship and dignity as within their reach. 

By: Josephine Shava