Young mothers in rural district of Goromonzi in Zimbabwe are being helped to escape cycles of drug abuse, sex work and marginalisation, and instead build livelihoods through fish farming.
What began as a small initiative under the national community fisheries programme is rapidly becoming a story of hope, resilience and transformation.
Director of Fisheries and aquaculture Resources Production in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Milton Makumbe said, ” the goal is to support rural women from various background especially those marginalised.”
Africa Women’s Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) regional chairperson, Tendai Rugare said this project, “is here to capacitate and promote young women who have a background of drug and substance abuse as well as commercial sex work. We are here to complement government’s efforts.
In a context where women often bear the brunt of poverty and social exclusion, director Makumbe said this initiative gives them the tools and agency to become inbound rather than peripheral actors.
Many of the women engaged in this initiative arrived at a crossroads, teenage pregnancy, substance use, or involvement in transactional sex due to poverty and lack of opportunity.
Through the Pamodzi Fisheries and Fresh Produce Women’s Group, these young mothers learned aquaculture skills, pond management, feeding regimes and the value addition of fish.
