Breaking Barriers: How Takunda Project is Revolutionizing Gender Norms in Zimbabwe

Clive Tatenda Makumbe in Zimbabwe

In the drought-prone districts of Buhera, Mutare, Zaka, and Chivi, a quiet revolution is transforming communities through the Takunda project. Funded by USAID and implemented by CARE Zimbabwe alongside six partners, the initiative is driving sustainable food, nutrition, and income security for vulnerable households. But beyond its tangible goals, Takunda’s most profound achievement lies in its bold challenge to patriarchal norms and gender inequality, which have long perpetuated food insecurity and poverty in Zimbabwe.

Tackling the Root of Inequality

Patriarchal and cultural norms in Zimbabwe often dictate gender roles, stifling women’s empowerment and perpetuating inequalities in decision-making, resource ownership, and labor. Takunda’s Gender Analysis revealed that women bear the brunt of household chores while men dominate income-generating roles. Such inequities extend to land ownership, with men controlling 65% of households while women face barriers to accessing resources critical for livelihoods.

However, Takunda is disrupting this status quo through Social Analysis and Action (SAA), an approach that empowers individuals and communities to question and transform harmful beliefs. Gender dialogues, savings groups, and leadership training are building a generation of women and men who actively challenge stereotypes.

Transformative Stories from the Field

For George Ndapfinya and his wife Jennifer, Takunda’s SAA dialogues were a turning point. George transitioned from spending his time in idle socializing to becoming a partner in his family’s economic activities. Today, he supports Jennifer in their vegetable garden, shares financial decisions, and mentors others in improved farming techniques. “I never imagined working side-by-side with my wife could bring such harmony and productivity,” he said.

Similarly, Kingsley Chingozo and his wife Winnmore, a gender champion, have redefined their relationship dynamics. They now co-manage their household and assets, including jointly registering their cattle. “This project taught us the power of partnership. We’ve built a peaceful and productive home,” Kingsley shared.

Economic Empowerment Yields Results

Takunda has also driven economic inclusion, particularly for women. Through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and skills training, women have diversified their incomes. Hairdressing, sewing, and detergent-making courses have enabled women to triple their household incomes, empowering them financially. In FY24, women accessed 85.7% of VSLA funds, demonstrating their increasing command over resources.

Youth engagement has been equally impactful. Over 4,700 young people, including 3,703 women, have challenged harmful norms, reducing cases of gender-based violence and child marriage. Leadership among women has surged, with representation in food security structures rising to over 90%.

Building Resilience Through Nutrition and Unity

Takunda’s approach has also improved household nutrition. Child meal frequencies exceeded targets, and household dietary diversity reached 74%, showing that economic gains translate directly to better health. Nina, a once-disempowered member of an apostolic sect, now leads health education groups, inspiring other women to defy restrictive traditions.

A Model for Lasting Change

The success of Takunda lies in its integration of sustainability strategies. Local gender champions now lead interventions, ensuring progress continues beyond the project’s 2027 timeline. Partnerships with government bodies provide additional support, while monitoring and evaluation mechanisms document lessons for replication in other regions.

The road ahead is not without challenges. As Kingsley candidly admits, deeply entrenched norms cannot be uprooted overnight. Yet, Takunda’s transformative power is undeniable. It is not just reshaping livelihoods but also rewriting the social fabric of communities.

For more on this story, visit CARE Zimbabwe.