The recently concluded Farming in Heels 2.0 symposium, organized by Zimbabwe Agricultural Outreach (ZIMBO), marked a significant milestone in the journey to empower women in agriculture. Held with the vision of fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for women, the event brought together a diverse group of female farmers, entrepreneurs, and advocates.
The seeds of this initiative were sown just a month ago when Chido Deketeke hosted and organized the first-ever Women in Heels Luncheon for Women in Agriculture at Mount Pleasant Sports Club.
This groundbreaking event created a space for women in agriculture to share their struggles, challenges, and ideas on how to adopt smart climate agriculture amidst the El Niño drought. At the luncheon, women were encouraged to be open and share practical stories of the issues they faced. The event provided a platform for women to uplift each other, offer support, and share knowledge and experiences.
Discussions ranged from the high insurance costs faced by tobacco farmers to the need for improved communication and building a strong social media presence. Speakers from AFC and the Head of Projects advised women on the importance of approaching banks and understanding the terms of loans before obtaining them. The event also emphasized the need to promote financial literacy in businesses and farms, as well as to celebrate each other’s successes and struggles in male-dominated fields. The proceeds from the luncheon were channeled towards supporting women in rural areas who are engaged in papaya farming.
The symposium was more than just a gathering of women in agriculture—it was a celebration of their strength, resilience, and determination. Chido emphasized the event’s core mission to dispel myths surrounding women in agriculture. “We aim to break down barriers and stereotypes associated with women in agriculture, fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute significantly to the sector,” she said.
The Woman Behind ZIMBO and the Farming in Heels Symposium
Chido Deketeke’s journey as a young entrepreneur began when she was just 22 years old, fresh out of university and searching for a job in a challenging Zimbabwean economy. Despite facing rejection and disappointment, Chido refused to give up. Instead, she dug deep and found the courage to empower herself. This marked the birth of Zimbabwe Agricultural Outreach (ZIMBO), an organization dedicated to empowering women through education, projects, and resources.
Celebrating Successes Along the Way
One of Chido’s proudest milestones is partnering with organizations that promote conservation agriculture in schools.
“2024 has been a remarkable year for ZIMBO Agricultural Outreach. We’ve had the privilege of empowering students with knowledge on sustainable agriculture, healthy eating habits, and environmental conservation.”
She’s also established ZIMBO Agricultural Tours, which provides hands-on agricultural experience for students. Additionally, she’s created the Farming in Heels platform, a safe space for women in agriculture to share knowledge, resources, and support.
Lessons Learned: The Challenges That Shaped Her Journey
Despite her achievements, Chido has faced significant challenges. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry with no capital to start with, she’s often been overlooked and underestimated. “However, I’ve learned that hard work, perseverance, and dedication can ultimately earn respect and trust.”
Chido’s experience has taught her that taking up space and being heard requires twice the effort when you’re young and female. “Nevertheless, I remain committed to my mission and will continue to work tirelessly to empower women and promote sustainable agriculture in Zimbabwe.”
What Sparked Chido’s Passion for Empowering Women in Agriculture?
When asked what inspired her to start ZIMBO Agricultural Outreach, Chido explained that it was her burning desire to create meaningful change in the lives of women.
“I’ve always been driven by a need to help those who cannot help themselves,” she said. “Empowering women has always been my passion, and I believe it’s my purpose.”
Chido’s approach to empowerment is rooted in the understanding that financial independence has a profound impact on a woman’s emotional, physical, and social well-being. By providing women with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in agriculture, she believes in creating a more equitable and sustainable food system. As the founder of ZIMBO Agricultural Outreach, Chido has learned to trust herself and trust the process. “When you trust yourself, you’ll be more confident in your decisions and more resilient in the face of challenges,” she advised.
“And when you trust the process, you’ll understand that success takes time, effort, and perseverance.”
As 2025 approaches, Chido is eager to see the emerging trend of women taking up space and empowering each other. “This shift is not only beautiful but also necessary for creating a more inclusive and equitable society,” she said. “I’m excited to be part of a community that lifts each other up and supports one another’s growth.”
Chido is looking forward to continuing to grow the Farming in Heels community. “We have plans to expand our membership and host various events that will bring women together, provide opportunities for networking and learning, and celebrate our collective successes,” she said.
It Takes a Village to Succeed
Reflecting on her journey as a young woman in business, Chido has learned that it takes a village to grow and succeed. “This realization has profoundly shaped how I run my business and approach growth,” she said. “I’ve come to understand that trust, community, and collaboration are essential components of achieving success.” Chido’s family has been instrumental in her journey, providing unwavering support and volunteering their time and skills to help her grow. The Farming in Heels community has also been a vital source of guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth.
Her Advice to Young People
Chido’s advice to young small business owners and entrepreneurs with limited resources is to believe in themselves, stay focused on their goals, and trust the process. “Don’t let anyone else define your path or dictate your success,” she said. “You have the power to create your own destiny, and with hard work, determination, and resilience, you can achieve greatness despite any obstacles you may face.”
As Chido looks to the future, she’s committed to continuing to work collaboratively with others, seeking guidance and learning from those around her. “My goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” she said. “A space where we can grow and thrive together.”