Seed banks provide relief for rural farmers during covid

Rural women in Zimbabwe have been instrumental in local seed production, preservation, and exchange, significantly contributing to food security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seed banks, supported by organizations like the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum and the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems, provide a reliable source of healthy seeds, enabling farmers to grow nutritious foods. The Women's Seeds Project benefits communities in at least six African countries, promoting agroecology farming systems and traditional seed preservation methods. The article highlights the challenges posed by global agribusiness giants like Montsanto, Du Point, and Syngetta, which control a significant portion of the global seed supply, and underscores the importance of local seed banks in ensuring food sovereignty and justice.

Women; deliberately shut out or are part of the problem: Celebrating 16 Days of Activism

The article explores the challenges women face in various sectors, including politics, workplaces, and daily life in Zimbabwe. It highlights the reasons women are often excluded or marginalized, such as using their bodies for favors, surrendering active positions to men, and societal expectations. The piece also discusses the struggles of female vendors and the wives of activists, emphasizing the need for economic solutions and support systems. The article calls for recognition and celebration of women's resilience during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Zimbabwe’s Vice President Position: A Test of Political Dynamics and Gender Equality

The article discusses the political dynamics in Zimbabwe following the resignation of Vice President Kembo Mohadi due to a sex scandal. It highlights the anticipation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's appointment of a new Vice President, which is expected to reflect the 1987 Unity Accord's requirement for one deputy to come from the ZAPU party, influential in Matabeleland. The author, Margaret Chinowaita, explores the potential candidates from Zanu PF and the absence of female contenders, despite constitutional provisions for women's inclusion. Interviews with various women in politics, including former parliament members and activists, reveal a call for a female Vice President that transcends tribal politics and is based on merit. The article emphasizes the need for strategic advocacy within the political system to ensure women's recognition and the potential impact of a female Vice President on Zimbabwe's future leadership.

Celebrating Women's Support and Mentorship in the Workplace

The article reflects on the positive impact of female mentorship in the workplace, as shared by a young woman expressing gratitude to her first supervisor. The author acknowledges the duality of female interactions in professional settings, where some women uplift and support each other, while others engage in counterproductive behaviors such as pettiness and unsupportiveness. The author argues that the struggle for women in the workplace is often exacerbated by limited opportunities and systemic issues rather than individual ambition. The piece celebrates women who act as role models and supporters for their peers, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, empathy, and support among women in their professional journeys. The article concludes with a call to action for women to be each other's keepers and to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Anyone can rule Zimbabwe

The article reflects on Zimbabwe's election history, highlighting the dominance of the ruling Zanu PF party and the challenges faced by opposition parties. It discusses the use of state apparatus by Zanu PF to maintain power and the need for the opposition, particularly Nelson Chamisa's Citizens Coalition for Change, to strategize effectively for future elections. The author emphasizes the importance of democracy and the potential for any capable leader to rule Zimbabwe, urging a change in mindset and better preparation for upcoming elections.

The Role of Women in Citizen Journalism

Margaret Chinowaita, speaking at a Media Centre Citizen Journalism Training in Harare, discusses the rise of Citizen Journalism in Zimbabwe, emphasizing its importance in a country with restrictive freedom of information laws. She highlights the role of new media technologies in giving a voice to underrepresented groups and challenging mainstream media's monopoly on news. Chinowaita reflects on her own journalism career, advocating for women to pursue all news beats, including those perceived as tougher, like politics and sports. She notes the challenges women face in journalism and Citizen Journalism, including gender biases and a lack of senior roles. Chinowaita encourages women to use Citizen Journalism to tell their stories, particularly during the COVID-19 era, and to report on issues like gender-based violence and health services from a gender perspective. She calls for support networks and mental health services for female journalists and ends with a call to action for women to actively engage in Citizen Journalism.