Women Leading Change: Building Resilient Communities

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Regenerative 2030

Women-led community development: empowering women and youth through training in small businesses, food processing, and resilience building.
Gender-transformative participation: increasing women’s decision-making power and reducing gender-based violence through economic independence.
Sustainable agriculture and food security: supporting climate-smart practices and small-scale food processing to improve household nutrition and incomes.

The World Expeditions Foundation are supporting the Wadzanai Community Development Trust in training 50 women across two villages in the Chinhamora area in freeze-drying and packaging vegetables and other perishable goods. This initative is for food security, family consumption and the opportunity for small business enterprise. This grant will allow the purchase of two freeze-drying machines and the associated training required for operating the freeze drying and subsequent packaging. After years of experience, the Wadzanai Community Development Trust have a firm belief that by training 25 women across two local villages, they will share the knowledge with the rest of the women in their community, and this investment makes a wide impact.

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty: Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

Zero Hunger: The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication.

Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Gender Equality: Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Decent Work And Economic Growth: Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Reduced Inequalities: To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Sustainable Cities And Communities: There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Responsible Production and Consumption: Responsible Production and Consumption

Impacts

Reducing poverty through vocational training and establishment of micro-enterprises
Promoting and empowering women to build self-confidence and to achieve socio-economic independence
To date, the Trust has recordered a 5% reduction in gender based violence
Networking mothers so that they can secure employment
20% of our members are now paying school fees for their children and there is a decrease in school dropouts
To date, the Trust have recorded that 20% of members are now paying school fees for their children and there is a decrease in school dropouts
Sustainable agricultural practices, improved food security and reduced malnutrition.
With the teaching and training, 20 % of local farmers are now practising climate smart agricultural practices

Outcomes

The project aims to improve household food security (family consumption) through job and income generation by taking packed, sealed, and branded products to the market. These markets are available where women can sell the items, including farmers' markets. Women in other areas already participating in this initiative have shown its success. Key outcomes include:

> Reduced violence: the project will contribute to a decrease in violence.

> Improved governance: women's participation in governance and decision-making leads to more inclusive and equitable policies.

> Environmental sustainability: women and girls are at the forefront of addressing climate change, often being the first responders to protect their families and communities.

> Improved health: empowering women results in better healthcare, nutrition, and family planning.

> Environmental stewardship: women's empowerment promotes conservation, environmental stewardship, and the protection of biodiversity.

Background

The Wadzanai Community Trust is a women's organisation based in Makumbe, Zimbabwe that aims to support women and youth in the community with development opportunities. Mai Chonyera, a local woman, established our organisation in 2006 to empower women and address challenges they faced, like being looked down upon. The Trust provides various training programs in small businesses and rights. Wadzanai Community Development Trust collaborates with local government entities that provide support for all its activities and programs. These include the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises; the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training; and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. The Trust also partners with traditional leaders, such as chiefs, elders, and other community leaders, who offer cultural guidance and support. Additionally, the Trust has approximately 15,000 local members, primarily women from the Chinhamora area, who are eager to participate in new opportunities. The Trust has previously worked with these members on various initiatives.

In 2024, the country faced one of the worst droughts in four decades, primarily induced by the El Niño climate phenomenon. This severe drought led to widespread food insecurity, with approximately 7.6 million people affected. The drought severely impacted agricultural production, resulting in crop failures and reduced food access and diversity. Consequently, an estimated 6 million people were food insecure during the 2024-2025 lean season.

This project is aiming to address food security issues by ensuring perishables have an opportunity to last for longer in a freeze-dried state.

The program targets women because they face significant challenges in Zimbabwe, including gender-based violence, limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as underrepresentation in political and leadership positions. Zimbabwe has a high rate of sexual and gender-based violence, with a significant number of women experiencing physical and sexual violence. Approximately 39.4% of women have been subjected to physical violence. An estimated 11.6% of women have faced sexual violence. Harmful traditional practices, religious beliefs, and entrenched patriarchy perpetuate the subjugation of women in all spheres of life. Women and girls continue to face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, economic and political empowerment, and leadership opportunities. Early marriage and pregnancy for girls is a prevalent issue. Women in Zimbabwe earn, on average, two-thirds of what men do. Women are underrepresented in government and leadership positions, with only 34% in parliament and 14% in local government. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change. Child marriage is prevalent in Zimbabwe, with one of the highest rates in the world. Poverty remains a major obstacle to development in Zimbabwe, impacting women and girls disproportionately.