Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu , Chronicle Reporter
FEMALE farmers in Igusi, Ward 10 in Umguza District, Matabeleland North province are realising the fruits of Government agricultural programmes as they can now feed their families with the produce from the land.
Around 50 women from the ward last week showcased their cooking skills and exhibited farm produce during the district’s belated Women’s Day Celebrations at Igusi Community Seedbank.
The produce included maize, groundnuts, poultry and eggs. Others showcased hand-made reed baskets.
The women received inputs under the Government’s Intwasa programme last year.
Guest of honour at the event was Umguza Proportional representation legislator Cde Elizabeth Masuku, who was accompanied by Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Beverly Mthombeni as well as Cde Sithandazile Ncube and Cde Sindiso Nkomo.
The farmers were showcasing their wares and agricultural produce realised from the 2022/23.
They also showcased their expertise in a cooking competition for traditional food such as umncaba, amasi, isinkwa somumbu, indlubu and amazambane among other delicacies.
The cooking competition was won by Mrs Patricia Ncube who had groundnuts, monkey nuts, umfahla and amatshakada mixed with peanut butter. She won two huge dishes that were presented to her by Cde Masuku.
Mrs Ncube said she was grateful for the opportunity to help feed her family.
“I’m overjoyed with winning the competition. I feel empowered as a woman. My mother taught me how to cook these traditional meals and I learnt a lot from her. So now I’m married I can cook these foods for my family,” said Mrs Ncube.
She said on her plot she planted groundnuts, maize and monkey nuts that enabled her to harvest and feed her family.
The chairperson of Igusi Community Seedbank Mrs Sinikiwe Sibanda was elated that for the first time celebrations were held in Igusi.
“This is the first time such a celebration has happened in our area of Igusi. We learnt and a lot and we are now equal with men and we can do any job that they can do,” said Mrs Sibanda.
“It is befitting to celebrate women as we are the ones who normally fend for our children and families. So being empowered as women farmers is key for having food on the table.”
Mrs Sibanda thanked the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa for the various Government projects afforded to them.
Agritex officer for ward 10 Mrs Muchaneta Makwarimba said the day was a success as women showcased their produce.
In her address, Cde Masuku said the Second Republic has made it possible for women to be in positions of power.
“This shows that President Mnangagwa cares for women and the girl child. I used to be in the youth league now look at where I am as a woman.
“The Zanu-PF national chairman is a woman, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri and there are many women heading Government ministries,” said Cde Masuku.
She said although strides have been made worldwide in empowering women real change has been slow especially in rural areas such as Umguza.
“Women and girls continue to be undervalued and experience multiple forms of violence at home and public places. Umguza District in particular, levels of gender based violence remain a concern and a major barrier to active participation of both men and women in development,” she said.
Cde Masuku said the district is still experiencing high levels of school dropouts due to teenage pregnancies, shortage of school fees and lack of appreciation on the importance of educating the girl child.
“Getting married at a young age seems fashionable for young girls. Girls also find it out of place to take up sciences and practical subjects for fear of being social misfits,” said Cde Masuku.
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