Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
WOMEN Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa on Wednesday planted a symbolic flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) at Africa Unity Square in Harare as Government strengthened its partnership with the Trees Without
Borders initiative, a campaign aimed at linking environmental conservation to women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative, spearheaded by youth environmental organisation Forest Lovers, seeks to combat deforestation while promoting reforestation programmes that support women-led enterprises and rural community development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Sen Mutsvangwa said environmental conservation and women’s economic empowerment were closely interconnected, particularly in rural communities where women bear the greatest burden of climate change.
“Planting this tree sends a clear message that environmental conservation cannot be separated from women’s empowerment or small enterprise development,” she said.
“When trees disappear, it is rural women who walk longer distances in search of firewood and water, whose gardens fail and whose small businesses collapse.”
She said restoring forests was not only about protecting the environment, but also about restoring dignity, livelihoods and economic opportunities for women and vulnerable communities.
Sen Mutsvangwa added that the partnership would help establish future programmes linking community nurseries, conservation training and women-led income-generating projects to national reforestation goals.
“The symbolic tree we are planting today is intended to anchor future programmes that connect community nurseries, conservation training and women-led enterprises directly to national reforestation efforts,” she said.
“Climate resilience begins in the village with women who manage the land every day. When they have the tools, the trees and access to markets, the whole nation becomes more resilient.”
Forest Lovers founder Mr Bob Mavende said climate change continues to disproportionately affect rural women, making reforestation and environmental protection increasingly urgent.
“Longer dry spells, erratic rainfall and degraded land mean women spend more time fetching water and firewood, while crop failures reduce household incomes,” he said.
“When forests disappear, communities also lose medicinal plants, fruit trees, beekeeping sites and shade for crops. It becomes a cycle that traps families in poverty.”
Mr Mavende said the Trees Without Borders initiative combines environmental restoration with livelihood programmes designed to empower women as nursery operators and custodians of conservation projects.
“Our vision is to establish nurseries that serve both as climate resilience hubs and business centres,” he said.
“Women will receive training in nursery management, conservation agriculture and climate-smart farming practices.”
He said involving children in environmental campaigns was critical in building a culture of conservation for future generations.
Mr Mavende said the participation of four-year-old environmental ambassador Maitaishe Mawoyo symbolised the importance of passing conservation values to younger generations.
“Children like Maitaishe remind us that this is about the future, not just today,” he said.
“If children grow up planting and protecting trees, we will change the culture around deforestation.”
