In the heart of Mudzi District, Zimbabwe, women are rewriting the story of power and prosperity through the Mombe YaAmai or Mother’s Cow project. Supported through Christian Aid’s In Their Lifetime (ITL) appeal, this initiative is helping women farmers gain ownership of livestock, lead thriving dairy enterprises, and strengthen their communities’ resilience.

A project transforming livelihoods and gender norms 

Implemented by Christian Aid Zimbabwe and Nyahunure Community Organisation, the project has reached more than 1,300 farmers directly, with women making up nearly 70% of participants. Across five wards, two Women Dairy Business (WDB) hubs (Sajeni and Chaku) now stand as testament to the change that is possible. 

Through training, infrastructure development, and access to veterinary support, these hubs are enabling women to generate income and build influence in what was once a male-dominated sector. Women now hold 64% of leadership roles in producer groups, and 61% of households report making joint decisions on livestock and income - a remarkable cultural shift driven by the project’s Gender Action Learning System (GALS) approach. 

Project visit 

During a recent monitoring visit, Osai Ojigho, Christian Aid’s Director of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns, reflected on how the partnership between women farmers, traditional leaders, and government is creating real potential for long-term growth: 

“The infrastructure is now in place — milking sheds, grazing units, and water points — so scaling up will not be capital intensive. The women are already making profits. What they need now are more cows and an additional well to ease pressure on shared water sources. This project is showing what can happen when communities, partners, and women work together.”

- Osai Ojigho, Christian Aid Director of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns.

Stories of transformation 

At the Sajeni Women’s Dairy Business, Chairperson Mavis Nyawo proudly describes how her group’s vision has come to life. Their new dairy hub is complete, and their first calves are thriving. “We’re not just waiting for help - we are building and maintaining our own future,” she says. 

In nearby Ward 3, Florence Chitsinde and her group at Chaku Dairy are embracing innovation - using Starlink satellite internet to access online training and connect with veterinary experts. They’re also experimenting with climate-smart fodder, including drought-resilient cactus, to secure feed through dry seasons. 

Florence Chitsinde - Mothers Cow Project
Florence Chitsinde, Mudzi District

Building a future of equality and opportunity 

For women like Mavis and Florence, owning a cow is more than an economic milestone - it’s a symbol of dignity and possibility. With community leaders, government partners, and Christian Aid working hand in hand, Mombe YaAmai is turning hope into a living, growing legacy.