A chorus of female voices is rising from the lush tea plantations of Gurue and Mussorize districts in Mozambique. These are the voices of women who are not only tilling the soil and nurturing crops, but also revolutionizing the agricultural landscape. Solidaridad, an international civil society organization, stands in resolute solidarity with these women, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the tea sector and Mozambique’s agricultural backbone.
This celebration comes on the heels of International Women’s Day, a day that underscored the pivotal role women play in shaping sustainable agriculture and achieving gender equality. Solidaridad’s Acting Now project is putting these ideals into action. The project equips farmers, with a particular focus on women, with post-harvest technologies such as improved silos and hermetic bags. This not only empowers women but also tackles the critical issue of food security. By ensuring crops can be stored for longer periods, the project aims to bridge the gap in food availability during lean seasons.
The project goes beyond storage solutions. It empowers women to capitalize on market opportunities. By ensuring they have produce to sell when prices are high, women can maximize their returns and contribute significantly to household income diversification and family well-being. Furthermore, the project facilitates the aggregation of harvests, allowing women to collectively sell their produce for better market prices and streamline negotiations with bulk buyers.
The ever-present threat of climate change hangs heavy over food security efforts. Recognizing this, Solidaridad is exploring the implementation of a Farmer-to-Market Tool. This initiative will establish aggregation centers, enhancing market access and efficiency for these resourceful women.
Solidaridad’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and social inclusion is woven into the fabric of their Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) dialogues. These dialogues provide a platform for women to be heard. They share their experiences, advocate for change, and solidify their role as essential stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
“The active engagement of women in Mozambique’s agricultural sector is truly inspiring,” says Precious Greehy, Head of Gender and Youth at Solidaridad. “Their dedication challenges traditional norms and fosters a more inclusive agricultural landscape. Women’s critical role in agricultural production fuels the country’s GDP and enhances family health and well-being. Their unwavering spirit exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots efforts in promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive development,” Greehy continues, highlighting Solidaridad’s RECLAIM Sustainability! strategy, which champions amplifying diverse voices within the agricultural sector.
Nozipho Ndlovu, Regional Programme Manager at Solidaridad, echoes these sentiments. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing women’s contributions not only in tea production, but also in their communities. “Through our dialogues, we’ve witnessed the vital role women play. However, challenges persist – low wages, limited access to land and permanent employment, inadequate protective equipment, and underrepresentation in policy-making remain hurdles that need to be addressed,” explains Ndlovu.
The fight for food security demands dismantling these very barriers. Piheter Supinho, Project Coordinator at Solidaridad, stresses the importance of tackling these issues head-on. “The voices of women in agriculture are powerful, but often silenced. It’s crucial to dismantle these barriers and provide equal opportunities for their participation,” asserts Supinho.
Despite these challenges, the women of Mozambique have demonstrated remarkable solidarity and unity through collective action and community development initiatives. Associations like Phassi Ni Ndzara and Mpingo stand as testaments to their unwavering spirit. Time and again, African women have proven their leadership in tackling food insecurity, waste, and loss.
Solidaridad remains a steadfast ally, committed to supporting and empowering women across agricultural value chains. By addressing these challenges and fostering equal opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of these women and accelerate progress towards a future where gender equality and sustainable development are not just aspirations, but realities. Together, we can create a more equitable future for the strong and resilient women of Mozambique, and for the nation they call home.
