Self Help Development Foundation Zimbabwe

Miriam Sibanda and her husband John Sibanda of Thornwood Village in Ward 22 in Gwanda have embraced climate-smart agriculture by planting sorghum in four Pfumvudza plots and maize on three hectares. After attending climate-smart and SALM trainings, they successfully applied the techniques, resulting in thriving crops and promising yields. Encouraged by this progress, they plan to sell three sorghum plots and two hectares of maize to the GMB, while reserving the remainder for household consumption. They anticipate harvesting around six tonnes of maize and about 2 tonnes on sorghum ,they are optimistic about earning approximately $360 per tonne, marking a significant step toward improved household income and food security.

SHDF joined WCoZ, Minister of Women Affairs,Community,Small and Medium Enterprises Development and other organizations in the National launch of the 2026 International Women’s Day commemorations was held in Bindura, Mashonaland Central, at Chipadze High School, bringing together thousands of women from across Zimbabwe to mark the beginning of Women’s Month.

The event was officiated by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, and featured a solidarity walk, speeches, entertainment, and exhibitions under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF) was honoured to receive a visit from the Minister at our exhibition stand, where she met with our Executive Director, Muchanyara C. Mukamuri. The discussion highlighted SHDF’s work in empowering communities through skills development, savings initiatives, and income-generating projects that improve livelihoods.

During the launch, the Minister emphasized the importance of investing in women through entrepreneurship, education, and leadership opportunities, while encouraging greater collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment.

SHDF remains committed to working with partners to promote gender equality and support women’s empowerment across Zimbabwe.