Zimbabwe

Madiwa Chido, Class of 2014
Practicum Summary: The Impact of the Women Development Fund on Women of the Johanne Marange Apolistic Church in Mutasa, Zimbabwe

Chido’s practicum study investigates the impact of women economic empowerment programs housed in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, and Community Development in the Mutasa district in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. The study was conducted in order to find methods to encourage development agencies and the government to conduct research and inquiries on the way that women and girls in the Johanne Apolistic Church can be empowered. In order to collect information from thirty respondents, a descriptive survey, questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used. Ultimately, the research found that empowered women exhibited stronger, more positive self-esteem, and felt more prepared to take on higher level positions within the church and society as a whole. In addition, empowered women who were more economically secure contribute to household food security and increased disposable income, which in turn has a multiplier effect on the family. In the religious realm, women’s empowerment contributes to gender equality. To increase economic opportunities for women and overall empowerment, Chido recommends providing more funding for women in the church through a gender mainstreaming strategy and creating networking opportunities among women.