Self Help Development Foundation Zimbabwe

Women in Ward 8, Murewa District, are turning knowledge into action 🌱
Following agroecology training facilitated by SHDF, community members received starter pack seedlings and are now actively applying sustainable organic farming practices in their demo plots.
The pictures capture members receiving seedlings, preparing compost, and planting their crops using organic methods — a practical step towards promoting food security, healthy nutrition, and climate-smart agriculture within their communities.
Through agroecology, women are not only growing vegetables but also cultivating resilience and sustainable livelihoods for their families.

Today, on Workers’ Day, we pause with deep gratitude to celebrate the heartbeat of our organization — our incredible SHDF team.
Your dedication, resilience, and passion for transforming communities do not go unnoticed. Every long day in the field, every thoughtful report, every life touched — it all matters. You are not just employees; you are change-makers, hope carriers, and the driving force behind our mission.
Because of you, marginalized women and communities are seen, heard, and empowered. Because of you, we continue to challenge injustice and build a more inclusive and just society.
Today, we celebrate your hard work. Today, we honor your commitment. Today, we say THANK YOU.
May you feel proud of the impact you are making. May you feel valued — not just today, but every single day.
Happy Workers’ Day, SHDF Family. Together, we rise. ✊🏾

Mrs. Alleta Ncube of Matshiya Village in Nkashe Ward 1 is a hardworking and passionate woman dedicated to uplifting others in her community. As both a member and chairperson of the Dalumehluko Value Addition Centre, she leads by example, actively contributing to group initiatives. She volunteered to grow small grains to support value addition activities and established three Pfumvudza plots measuring 39m x 16m. As she begins harvesting, she anticipates a yield of at least two tonnes.
In addition to crop production, Mrs. Ncube is successfully running a poultry project. With 192 layer birds, she collects an average of six crates of eggs per day, earning approximately $24 daily. She is optimistic about expanding her enterprise and doubling her income in the near future.
Her determination, leadership, and commitment to improving livelihoods make her a true role model. Mrs. Ncube continues to demonstrate that with hard work and vision, it is possible to achieve meaningful and lasting success.

🏡 Turning Savings into Shelter: A Youth Success Story

Bernard Munyongani and Maudy Chavahera are a young, determined couple whose story reflects the true power of community-driven development. As active youth members of Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF), they have become a shining example of how resilience, opportunity, and the right support can transform lives.
Their journey began in 2019 when they joined SHDF and quickly embraced the concept of Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL). Bernard initially participated in a group dominated by adults, where he gained critical skills in saving, discipline, and financial planning. This foundation would later become the stepping stone to something much bigger.
In 2023, a new opportunity emerged. Through support from SIDA CIVSAM and We Effect, SHDF introduced a youth-focused greenhouse initiative. Bernard stepped up, mobilizing other young people and forming a 15-member youth ISAL group named Goodhope. This marked the beginning of a powerful movement of youth-led economic empowerment in their community.
Together, Bernard and Maudy joined the Advanced Youth Greenhouse Garden project in Ward 32, Buhera. Equipped with a solar-powered borehole and greenhouse infrastructure, the group ventured into tomato production. The results were life-changing—regular income, improved agricultural skills, and renewed hope for the future.
At the time, the couple was living with Bernard’s parents. But through consistent savings from their ISAL group and income from greenhouse farming, they achieved what once seemed out of reach: building their own home. By December 2025, their house was complete, and they proudly moved into their own space—a symbol of hard work, discipline, and vision.
Reflecting on their journey, Bernard expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from SIDA CIVSAM, We Effect, and SHDF. He acknowledged that without the ISAL group and greenhouse project, this milestone would not have been possible. Maudy emphasized how financial literacy and business development trainings empowered them to manage their income wisely and plan for the future.
And they are not stopping there.
Inspired by their success and driven by ambition, the couple is now planning to expand into poultry production as a new income stream—continuing to build a more secure and sustainable future.

✨ Bernard and Maudy’s story is more than just a personal success—it is proof that when young people are empowered with the right tools, support, and opportunities, they can transform not only their own lives but entire communities.
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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.

Happy International Women’s Day.

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.

On Tuesday, 13th January 2026, SHDF participated in a crucial strategic dialogue focused on advancing gender equality and strengthening the women's movement in Zimbabwe. The event was graced by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, and Ms. Loveness Makonese, UN Women Deputy Country Representative.
• Situational Analysis: The event provided a detailed analysis of the current gender equality advocacy landscape in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives, especially from rural women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Funding Challenges: A major concern raised was the sharp decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA), with cuts up to 30%, threatening vital services for women, including GBV shelters and legal aid. This underfunding is a rollback of decades of progress in women’s rights.
• Resilient Financial Models: The call for a shift from short-term, "hand-to-mouth" project cycles to more resilient financial strategies was emphasized. This includes leveraging private sector partnerships, engaging the diaspora, and promoting social entrepreneurship.
• Radical Collaboration: Advocating for a united approach, pooling resources as a collective movement instead of competing for diminishing funds, was highlighted as essential for survival and growth.
• Core Advocacy: The need for flexible, multi-year funding was stressed to ensure that organizations can withstand global shocks while continuing their long-term missions.
SHDF is committed to collaborating with our partners and advocates to build a robust, unified movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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