Zimbabwe: The Woman Who Turned 17 Years of Silence Into a Movement of Change

Nyarai Mabambe of Nyamadzawo Village in Murewa has become a powerful symbol of transformation, resilience, and women’s empowerment in Mashonaland East. At 51, she stands as a councillor under Murewa Rural District Council, a mushroom farmer, a poultry producer, and a mentor shaping the futures of women who once felt voiceless just as she once did. 

Her story began in hardship. For 33 years of marriage, 17 were filled with pain and emotional turmoil. She describes this time as the most difficult period of her life. “He would beat me and call me all sorts of names until I told myself it’s enough,” said Nyarai Mabambe. During the early years, she had lived only as a wife, taking no part in community work or leadership: “I did not even participate in community issues. I failed to set my foundations well,” she narrated.  

Everything changed when Mabambe made a personal decision to reclaim her dignity and step into leadership. Despite resistance at home, she recognised an opportunity to fight not only for herself but for other women trapped in similar cycles of silence. “He tried to stop me from being in party structures, but I knew that was my chance to help other women in my situation,” said Mabambe. 

She rose through political structures, beginning as a chairlady and later being re-elected due to her effectiveness. In 2023, she advanced to the position of Provincial Deputy Secretary for Gender and Culture in Mashonaland East. One of the turning points in her life was the Sunrise Campaign Programme, which she credits for rebuilding her confidence and entrepreneurial skills. “I was taught life skills, to be confident, and to regain self-esteem, it was my time to teach others,” she said.  

Through this new foundation, Mabambe launched income-generating ventures like sewing, poultry, and mushroom farming and she also established Internal Savings and Lending (ISALs) groups for women. These initiatives empowered households, strengthened financial independence, and restored dignity among women who had never believed they could earn an income on their own. The ripple effects are visible across Nyamadzawo Village. Women now take part in decision-making, earn their own income, and challenge long-standing patriarchal norms simply through opportunity and support. 

Her leadership sparked major agricultural and economic transformation. Mushroom farming and poultry projects, introduced through training programs, provided women and youth with practical skills to generate income, improve nutrition, and reduce household poverty. Many families now enjoy better food security, stable earnings, and improved livelihoods. One beneficiary, Lucia Nyamadzawo, summed it up simply: “Sewing changed my life.” For others, mushroom farming became a path out of poverty. “From poverty to prosperity—mushroom farming has been a game changer for us. We have gained income, independence, and a brighter future,” said Privilege Mutsvatiwa. Another villager, Tsitsi Mupakaviri, testified, “Mushroom farming changed my life.” 

These testimonies reflect the transformation seen through photos, videos, and daily lived experiences women confidently sewing together, productive mushroom farms, and vibrant poultry projects supporting families. Youth, women, and vulnerable groups are learning practical skills while restoring their confidence and self-worth. 

Mabambe’s impact is rooted not only in leadership but in the consistent mentorship she provides. “When women understand their rights and how to care for their families, they become agents of change,” said Mabambe. Her story has inspired many women to speak out, step forward, and pursue leadership with courage. 

To sustain the change, Mabambe is working toward establishing a village-based cooperative, expanding training opportunities, and forging partnerships with government and private institutions. The goal is to ensure long-lasting economic empowerment and climate-resilient farming practices that protect future generations. 

“Change is only meaningful if it lasts. If I managed to change my life positively, I can also change the lives of others,” she emphasized. Today, Nyamadzawo Village stands as a model of community-driven development. Houses are improving, children are educated, women are earning, and families are thriving. And at the centre of this transformation is Nyarai Mabambe a woman who turned pain into power, fear into leadership, and her personal story into a movement of hope. 

By: Nyarai Mabambe