For communities to develop and flourish, they need to engage determined women to run businesses. Businesses run by women are community-oriented in nature and don’t just benefit the business-owner and customers, but the whole community. Right now, there are many successful businesses led by women in my community in Zimbabwe, and their achievements benefit everyone.  

Businesswomen in my community are doing tremendous work. Some of them have embraced the beekeeping business. Bees are playing a crucial role in my community—the pollination process is essential for plants and crops, and hence, humans! We are benefitting from healthy raw honey and other products like candles and cosmetics.

Other women are doing poultry keeping. This is providing the community with eggs, meat, feathers and manure. These women are encouraging people to raise poultry not for business alone but for agricultural and survival purposes. Poultry helps fertilize gardens and crops and eliminate pests.

Another businesswoman-led project that is bringing people in my community together is knitting and crocheting. During weekends people gather in groups exchanging patterns thereby creating a spirit of ubuntu (oneness). 

Having successful women in our community motivates others to pursue their dreams and give back to their neighbors. Their stories have become models for our own accomplishments—they prove that we must be determined to achieve our goals despite the challenges we face.

Blogger Precious Ngwayarudza grew up in Chipinge, Zimbabwe and studied Psychology at Africa University. In 2015 she conducted a qualitative research: An exploration of the circumstances that led to elderly destitution and institutionalization at Zororai Old Peoples’ Home. She is a humanitarian who has volunteered her services to various vulnerable groups. Since 2012, she is volunteering at Zororai Old Peoples’ home by offering emotional support to the destitute elderly who stay there. She also volunteered at Mutare Farm prison in 2013 where she was involved in the rehabilitation and reconciliation of the incarcerated. In addition, she undertook an internship at Simukai Child Protection Centre where she offered psychosocial support to street children.