Zimbabwe: Empowering women and youth in Umguza

In the Matabeleland North region of Zimbabwe, the Umguza Rural District Council has been transforming lives through its inclusive local economic development initiatives. With a focus on empowering women and youth, the Local Economic Development (LED) efforts have yielded remarkable results, impacting the community's horticulture value chain. 

The Gender Links’ “Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe” programme funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe has been instrumental in driving this change. Through developing a costed gender-responsive Local Economic Development action plan, the council has ensured that women and youth are at the forefront of community development. The plan has allocated resources to support flagship enterprises like the Thuthukani Luthi B Project, benefiting 41 individuals, including 21 women and 16 youth.

The impact of the programme is evident in the numbers. With 113,265 people (54,121 females and 59,144 males) and 28,358 households in the Umguza RDC, the average household size of 4 means that the benefits of the programme can reach a significant portion of the population. The council has created a ripple effect, generating income and employment opportunities that can benefit entire households through replicating the horticulture project in two more wards.

The programme's focus on entrepreneurship training, women's leadership and access to procurement opportunities has been particularly effective. 37 members, including women and youth, have received training, leading to enhanced business skills and increased self-confidence. The council's affirmative action policy on tender procedures has reserved 30% of annual procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses, further supporting women's economic empowerment.

The results are tangible. Women have reported increased income, improved business skills, and enhanced self-confidence. The Thuthukani Luthi B enterprise has created jobs for 29 women, 16 youth, and 4 men. Through creating over 20 business linkages for women entrepreneurs and facilitating mentorship meetings, the council has set the stage for sustained growth and development.

As the council looks to the future, its commitment to inclusive local economic development is poised to drive further growth. With a strong foundation in place, the Umguza RDC is well-positioned to leverage its key economic characteristics – crop production, livestock production, irrigation schemes, tourism and mining – to create a more equitable and prosperous community. Through prioritising the needs of women and youth, the council has demonstrated that inclusive local economic development can be a powerful catalyst for change, benefiting entire households and the broader population.