Harare, (New Ziana) – The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa has underscored the critical role played by rural women in agricultural production, food security and environmental conservation ahead of this year’s commemorations of International Day of Rural Women.
Speaking at a press conference, she said rural women were central to the country’s economic development, but continued to face structural and socio-economic barriers that limited their access to land, finance and other productive resources.
Although the International Day of Rural Women is commemorated globally on October 15 every year, Zimbabwe will hold its 2026 celebrations on November 2 at Siboza Primary School in Zvishavane District, Midlands Province, under the theme, “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature.”
“The theme reflects the duties women carry to feed their families, contribute to our economy, conserve the environment, respond to climate change and act as custodians of mother nature,” said Mutsvangwa.
She said the Government was committed to dismantling barriers that prevented rural women from realising their potential and playing a greater role in managing the country’s natural resources.
Women constitute 52 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, with more than 60 percent living in rural areas. Despite contributing more than 70 percent of agricultural labour, many women continue to face challenges in accessing and owning land and other productive assets.
“No rural woman or girl should be left behind as we secure their rights, deliver justice and ignite collective action,” Mutsvangwa said, adding that the commemorations would highlight women’s essential contributions across agri-food systems, from production to trade, which often go unrecognised.
Rural women are at the centre of smallholder agriculture and play a critical role in sustaining household food security. Beyond farming, their knowledge and experience contribute to environmental protection, climate resilience and community development.
Mutsvangwa said the Government was pursuing initiatives to economically empower women, including the Women’s Development Fund, Community Development Fund and Microfinance Bank, which support access to affordable financing for women-led agricultural and green enterprises.
She said the Ministry was also strengthening grassroots leadership and promoting climate-smart and conservation farming practices to help rural women protect soil, water and biodiversity while improving agricultural productivity.
Digital and financial empowerment initiatives were also being pursued to bridge the rural divide by enabling women to access markets, technology and essential information without having to travel long distances. Value addition was another priority, allowing rural women to earn more by processing and selling finished products rather than raw materials.
Despite these interventions, rural women continue to face persistent challenges, including limited access to land, finance, agricultural markets and inputs, as well as climate shocks and water insecurity.
Gender-based violence also remains a concern, with women requiring improved access to healthcare, protection services and safe spaces for survivors.
The 2026 commemorations are expected to provide an opportunity to renew calls for greater investment in rural women, recognising their contribution to agricultural development, environmental sustainability and Zimbabwe’s broader economic growth.
New Ziana
