Africa is rich in natural resources, and the time is now for Africa to exploit its richness.
Six hours' drive from the majestic Victoria Falls, a magnificent, vast district exists. It is home to the only sandy beach in the land-locked country of Zimbabwe. Yes, you heard right: there is a beach in north-western Zimbabwe. The thermal springs there are the hottest in the country. And they host a hidden gem called Binga, where women are building stronger communities to reduce gender inequality.
Zubo Trust is a women-led NGO in Binga, Zimbabwe. Binga was built to rehouse the BaTonga people, whose homelands were flooded when Lake Kariba was created. And eight years ago, I connected with Zubo Trust for the first time. My main focus for this connection is on partnership building and enhancing the online visibility of the crafts the women create. Despite having very limited resources, the organisation runs various sustainable livelihood projects including:
The signature baskets - Ilala
Ilala basket weaving is a long-standing tradition of BaTonga women. It is not uncommon for a girl aged 12 to learn how to weave using locally sourced ilala palm. The BaTonga are well known for their unique baskets within Zimbabwe and internationally. Communal craft weaving provides a social space for women's coherence. This collaborative working approach allows women to learn skills from each other and give each other moral support.
Africa is a young continent, with almost 60% of its population below 25 years. With unemployment being a critical issue in the continent, the youth is disproportionately affected by it. Zubo Trust is aware of this and continues to effectively engage the youth through the offer of work experience. In the past, I have worked closely with young members of the Zubo team. This has provided opportunities for reverse mentoring.
In a recent conversation with one of the youth members, she shared: “Zubo Trust not only believed in me, but they entrusted me to lead the organisation's communication and advocacy portfolio, leading to a promotion to Program Manager. This shaped my development and growth as a young female human rights activist and helped me mature into this empowered woman.” One of my highlights was representing Zubo at the 2018 Sustainable Blue Economy conference in Kenya”.
Before the pandemic, the Zubo Trust aimed to sell 6,000 signature baskets. And the pandemic-riddled 2020 period did not deter the Zubo team from achieving their goals: all the 6000 baskets were sold despite the lockdown measures.
Other livelihood projects
Throughout the years, the Zubo Trust has worked on several different projects that have had a positive impact on local communities:
Welthaus Bielefeld, in collaboration with Zubo, facilitated the distribution of locally produced soap. This resulted in at least 5,000 households benefiting from the jatropha soap project. This was a very welcome initiative at a time when hygiene measures were being reinforced in line with WHO regulations.
The Tuligwasye Banakazi garden project is led by a group of women committed to sustaining their families through income-generating projects. The small-holder farmers grow green vegetables, maiz e, and drought-resistant millet mainly.
In recent years Zubo Trust managed the baobab project. Commonly known as the tree of life, the baobab tree is found in Binga. The indigenous baobab fruits are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and carbohydrates. The project, which has the potential to generate income, is currently on hold. Financial input is required to resume the activities. A private investor could support the installation of solar-powered refrigeration systems to one day get the baobab juice or baobab powder onto supermarket shelves.
The huge value of partnerships - It is all about connecting the dots…
The success of the Zubo Trust is also determined by its ability to create partnerships. Like the one with the Lupane Women Centre, which has been selling the crafts on behalf of the women. Connecting women's craft to regional and internal markets has brought an incredible social transformation.
In recent years, Zubo Trust has participated in the ZITF and Harare Agricultural shows, showcasing the crafts, jatropha soap, and Tamarind iIndica. Zubo Trust was represented at the DIHAD 2022 exhibition, attended by more than 600 participants. This experience provided a platform to explore new global partnerships in the lead-up to Africa Com, scheduled for the end of 2022. Finally, EMIC Media, whose acronym stands for Empower, Mentor, Inspire and Connect) has been instrumental in positioning Zubo Trust as a flagship campaign for the forthcoming Africa Com event, focused on putting a billion people on digital platforms. Prospective partners such as the Swedish company Satcube could just be the answer to the problem around connectivity challenges in the region.
The success of the Zubo women will be realised if the structural barriers are reduced. Improved road networks, reliable internet connectivity and climate change management strategies will play a part in attaining their economic agency. The voices of grassroots organisations like Zubo Trust need to be heard in global spaces, particularly when it comes to developing an agenda for climate action. Despite the limitations, the Zubo women always find a way. The village lending and savings schemes, often centred around livestock, have changed the household narrative for the women working with Zubo in the region. A gender balance is seen, with a growing number of men supporting women to take on the roles of breadwinners. Some women have been able to access funds to send their children to school, especially the girl-child who has long been disadvantaged.
The creativity, strength and resilience of the women on the other side of the Zambezi are evident. With the right allies, they will continue to market beyond borders. Rural communities should not be left behind if the UN Sustainable Development Goals are to be met.
My personal involvement with Zubo Trust has shown me that the women are tenacious, and solutions oriented. Their lives are anchored on the principles of Ubuntu. This will take them far.
Inspiring story! Connecting women to achieve economic freedom and financial independence is key!!
Thumbs up to the unrelenting women!