As the world marked International Women's Day, Gwatimba's story highlights women's struggles in attaining equal rights and better wages. Despite being intimidated by being one of few women in the tobacco industry, Gwatimba finds it rewarding. Zimbabwe, known for tobacco farming, has witnessed a new wave of young Black farmers taking up one of its biggest cash crops, with most growers contracted by private companies.
Gwatimba lost 30% of her tobacco crop to hailstorms in recent weeks but remains determined to make a success of commercial tobacco farming. Having started farming on her late father's 60-hectare farm in Mashonaland Central, one of Zimbabwe's most fertile regions, Gwatimba has also ventured into cultivating soya beans and cattle rearing.
Chisauke Isaac, a mother of three, is one of the many women employed by Gwatimba's farm. The women work hard under the sweltering sun, stacking green tobacco leaves into sheaves and loading the harvested crop onto a tractor. With her job, Isaac can feed her children and provide them with basic needs.
Gwatimba's farm provides more than just employment for survivors of gender-based violence; it also provides a sense of community and support for those who have faced trauma. "We try to support each other, and when someone needs help, we try to help them," said 27-year-old Tendai Chitsaka, who works on the farm.
The impact of Gwatimba's farm is felt beyond the borders of her community. According to official figures, the tobacco industry is critical to Zimbabwe's economy, contributing about 12% of the country's total exports in January. With more women taking up farming, the industry can achieve even more growth and impact more lives positively.
Despite the challenges of farming, especially in a sector dominated by men, Gwatimba remains hopeful and encourages other women to venture into agriculture. "We can do this. We are strong women. We just need to work hard and believe in ourselves," she said. Gwatimba's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in agriculture and their potential to create change in their communities.