Hwange, Binga women empowered to achieve economic independence

Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Bureau

MORE than 40 women from historically marginalised and economically disadvantaged communities in Hwange and Binga Districts, Matabeleland North Province, are now charting a path toward economic independence after completing women’s empowerment programmes. 

These initiatives provided them with crucial socio-economic and livelihood skills, marking a significant turning point for the participants.

Having survived abuse and other limiting circumstances, the group now leads empowerment initiatives such as co-operative savings, advocacy against gender-based violence, and skills-sharing workshops. Their projects include tailored ventures like detergent-making, which promote economic independence and foster community solidarity.

The majority of the women initially sought domestic work in Victoria Falls and Hwange towns as a means of escaping poverty.

One of the women, 38-year-old Mrs Lumuno Mutale-Mudenda, shared how marriage initially seemed like a blessing in her journey to build a better life — until her husband lost his job, plunging the family into financial hardship. However, hope was rekindled when she joined Reach Out Trust, an organisation committed to empowering marginalised women through socio-economic initiatives.  

Mrs Mutale-Mudenda gained essential skills, including sewing and financial literacy, with a particular focus on savings strategies. The training transformed her approach to income generation and money management. She began sewing clothes and household items, selling them locally while consistently saving a portion of her earnings.

“I am part of the Reach Out Trust, which runs a women’s empowerment programme called Women of Integrity. I now serve as the project officer here, and this role has helped me immensely, enabling me to support my family even during difficult times.

“I have acquired financial literacy skills that have allowed me to save earnings from the various projects we undertake as a group. This has truly empowered me and boosted my self-esteem as a woman,” said Mrs Mutale-Mudenda.

The women’s group has not only equipped its members with new skills and discipline, transforming them into family breadwinners, but their collective savings have enabled them to cover rent, food, school fees, and other essentials—challenging traditional gender roles in a patriarchal society.

Ms Happiness Dube (28) said she had previously been a housewife with limited opportunities, spending most of her time at home. However, since joining the Women of Integrity group, she has discovered her potential to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to her household.

“When I heard about the group, I immediately enquired about how to join and was warmly welcomed. I joined the sewing project and am still undergoing training. I’m pleased that beyond sewing, I’ve learnt a great deal about socio-economic survival. Despite the stigma often faced by women, I’ve realised we can take on leadership roles, embrace our responsibilities with pride, and bring stability to our homes,” said Ms Dube.

Mr Isaac Dube, director of Reach Out Trust, said that their organisation is community-based and aims to uplift marginalised communities.

“We focus on gender equality programming, child protection, and women’s empowerment. We recognised that many of these communities have been marginalised for too long, particularly the girl child, who is often denied education due to religious and cultural beliefs,” said Mr Dube. He noted that the programme has had a significant impact, particularly in boosting self-esteem and improving livelihoods.

“Socially, we’ve seen increased confidence among the women. Many were previously unable to speak about issues affecting them at home, but through this project, they’ve found a safe space to share and seek advice. Economically, the women have also been empowered. Some are now producing goods for sale, including uniforms and garments for corporate clients in Victoria Falls,” said Mr Dube.

By addressing both economic and social barriers, Reach Out Trust has enabled these women to reclaim control over their lives. Today, they stand as a testament to resilience, inspiring others in Binga and beyond to pursue self-reliance and collective upliftment.