John Cassim
Jubilant smiles spread across their faces as the women celebrated their first fish harvest on Friday. For the past six months, the Pamodzi Fisheries and Fresh Produce, a group of young women including former teenage mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, and those who have left sex work, had diligently worked on their fish pond. The fruits of their labor promised to restore their dignity within their community.
Upon harvesting 100kg of medium-sized Tilapia bream, they erupted in song, including a praise song with the lyrics, ‘tawanirwe Nyasha, tawanirwe nyasha,’ meaning “we have found favor in the Lord.”https://independent.academia.edu/DrLovejoyChabata
Their dignified demeanor at the harvest proved to be a pivotal moment. A representative from TN Gold, the new mining company at Arcturus, expressed being deeply moved by the women’s stories.
“I have been touched by the testimonies shared today about the journey of these young women from Arcturus Mine. I am aware that the funding from Unlimited Hope Alliance, the organization that nurtured and trained them, has ended. As the new operators of Arcturus, TN Gold pledges to provide Pamodzi Fisheries, with fish feed to ensure the continuation of their fisheries activities,” said Dr. Lovejoy Chabata, TN Gold’s Group Marketing and Public Relations Executive.
This commitment followed a moving account from Mary Chigumira, the Founder and Executive Director of Unlimited Hope Alliance, who detailed the hopeful journey undertaken by the members of Pamodzi Fisheries.
“The journey these young women have walked has been incredibly challenging. Each of them is a former teenage mother who had lost hope. Among them are survivors of abusive marriages and gender-based violence.
The group also includes former sex workers who openly share their past, having transformed their lives through aquaculture and poultry farming,” Mary Chigumira explained.
She added, “We received 2200 Tilapia fingerlings in November last year through the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, facilitated by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. However, maintaining the pond required consistent effort in changing the water, providing feed, and general care for the fish.
As funding began to dwindle early this year, I witnessed these young women pooling their own meager resources to purchase fish feed. It was heartbreaking, and some members were on the verge of giving up. I even resorted to using money sent by my child in Australia, which understandably upset my children.”
Chigumira later stated that her organization would no longer be operating from Arcturus Mine, hence her plea for funding to ensure the continuation of Pamodzi Fisheries.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Fatima Sande, a former teenage mother, was overcome with tears of joy as she recounted the arduous journey she and her colleagues had endured.
“Every day, I wondered when we would finally harvest. The journey has been far from easy, as we often had to scrape together whatever little we could – sometimes just US$2 or even 50 cents each – to buy fish feed. Imagine someone with no reliable income having to weather such a storm until harvest day. I am so happy this day has finally arrived,” Fatima shared with heartfelt emotion.
Fatima was forced into a teenage marriage after dropping out of school in Grade seven due to financial hardship at home. She later faced severe challenges as a survivor of gender-based violence.
Now in a stable marriage, Fatima believes this aquaculture project has been instrumental in restoring her dignity and strengthening her relationship.
“I have learned so much through this fisheries project, and these lessons have positively impacted my personal life. I’ve gained financial maturity, business management skills, and resilience. These same skills have also made managing my own home much easier,” Fatima explained.
The Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department, Milton Tinashe Makumbe, expressed his gratitude to the government and the various stakeholders who empowered the Pamodzi Fisheries.
“This project serves as a shining example of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme’s vision: empowering the marginalized, promoting food security, and fostering inclusive economic development. When women have access to skills, resources, and decision-making opportunities, entire communities are transformed,” he stated.
He added, “To the women of Pamodzi, we are incredibly proud of you. Today, you are not just harvesting fish; you are harvesting dignity, strength, and the promise of a new future.”