STAFF WRITER
A CLARION call has been made to support rural women ahead of the new farming season, as this will reduce poverty in communities.
This comes as climate change induced droughts have continued to wreak havoc on farming communities year in year out.
Speaking during a belated International Day of Rural Women commemorations, Lupane State University lecturer Dr Karen Dube said women should be prioritised as they are the backbones of many families.
The gathering which was marked by pomp and funfair was organised by Ntengwe, a non governmenal organisation based in Matabaleland North province.
The event took place on Tuesday in Lupane’s Lupanda district where various stakeholders gathered.
“As we are already into the 2020 farming season, our agricultural backbone, women living in the rural areas, should be supported to grow traditional grains and rear small livestock which are drought resistant,” she said.
Dube also hailed measures put by government to try and eradicate poverty in communities.
“The efforts of our government to mitigate the impact of climate change through introducing the Pfumvudza (intwasa) programme to all farmers is highly appreciated.
Support from various stakeholders is desperately needed for this homegrown initiative to succeed so as to rescue a number of families from food insecurity and adverse poverty.”
She added: “I want to reaffirm government’s firm position that the eradication of poverty and economic empowerment of women are the cornerstones for achieving sustainable national transformation and prosperity.”
Dube who works at the University’s department of development studies further noted that support for women to participate fully in economic activities is essential in building stronger economies, and improving the quality of life for women, men, families and communities as a whole.
She however called upon Non Governmenal Organisations and private sector to continue partnering with government “to upscale government efforts aimed at ensuring that the economic, social and political rights of women are upheld at all levels.”
Dube who was the guest of honour told the gathering that stakeholders should remain resolute and focused in an endeavor to achieving the empowerment of women and gender equality despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the years Zimbabwe has been hit by staggering series of droughts that have left millions in need of food aid and humanitarian assistance.
