By Memory Matombire
Simukai Child Protection Programme has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, child protection and community development after supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the 2026 International Rural Women’s Day commemoration held in Nyatate Village, Nyanga.
The event, held under the theme “Rural Women Farmers Caring For Mother Nature,” celebrated the achievements, resilience and contributions of rural women and girls, while highlighting their important role in promoting sustainable community development and environmental protection.
In a statement, Simukai Child Protection Programme said the commemoration provided an important platform to recognise the contribution of women in advancing child protection, gender equality, community development and social justice.
Simukai also expressed appreciation to ActionAid Zimbabwe for its support in ensuring the successful hosting of the event.
The organisation said it remained committed to creating safe and supportive environments where women, girls, boys and other vulnerable members of society could live free from violence, abuse and discrimination.
“As Simukai Child Protection Programme, we remain committed to creating safe environments where women, girls, boys, and all vulnerable community members can thrive free from violence, abuse, and discrimination,” the organisation said.
It added that strengthening community-led initiatives was essential in protecting children’s rights while empowering women to become agents of positive change.
Simukai further emphasised the importance of investing in women and girls, noting that their empowerment had far-reaching benefits for families and communities.
“When women and girls are empowered, communities prosper and children are better protected,” the organisation said.
The commemoration also highlighted the important role played by rural women farmers in sustaining livelihoods, protecting the environment and contributing to the development of their communities.
Through its participation, Simukai Child Protection Programme demonstrated the importance of partnerships between government, civil society organisations and communities in advancing women’s rights, protecting children and building safer, more inclusive communities.