Zimbabwe’s Women Rebuild After Cyclone Floods, Need More Support

Women in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe, rebuilt their lives after Cyclone Dineo caused floods in 2017 that displaced around 300 households. The cyclone destroyed homes and farmland, forcing families to relocate. Researchers interviewed 18 displaced women to understand their experiences and coping strategies following the disaster.

The study found that women faced disproportionate hardship as primary caregivers and providers, with existing inequalities deepened by the loss of land and resources. While the Zimbabwean government provided new housing, it did not offer replacement farmland, forcing women to walk long distances to cultivate their previous fields.

Despite these challenges, the women demonstrated resilience by establishing vegetable gardens and savings groups to generate income. Researchers urge local and national governments to collaborate with affected communities, especially women, in designing recovery programs that address their specific needs and prioritize local knowledge.