Rural women drive call for economic empowerment in KwaDlangenzwa

RURAL women are central to conversations around economic empowerment, inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods.

This was the focus of the Rural Women Rise initiative hosted by Linzwa Foundation on Monday at KwaMkhwanazi Traditional Court in KwaDlangenzwa.

Themed Your Voice. Your Solutions. Your Future, the dialogue is a build-up towards the International Day of Rural Women 2026 commemoration, aligning with the KZN Department of Social Development’s theme The Rise of Rural Women: Building Resilient Futures with Beijing+30.

The initiative recognises that rural women are not simply recipients of development support. They are farmers, entrepreneurs, informal traders, caregivers, community leaders and essential contributors to household food security, local economies and community development.

Yet many women still face barriers to accessing finance, land, technology, markets, skills development, business support and decision-making platforms.

“This approach reflects the departmental concept which positions the International Day of Rural Women commemoration as more than a ceremonial occasion. It envisages a practical platform that connects women with information, services, productive resources, economic opportunities and relevant support institutions,” said Lindiwe Dube, Linzwa Foundation founder.

She said, through this engagement, Linzwa Foundation intends to strengthen collaboration and encourage solutions that respond to the realities facing women in rural communities.

“Behind every small business, agricultural project, sewing initiative, informal trading activity or community enterprise is a woman working to support her family and create a better future,” continued Dube.

“However, determination alone cannot overcome structural barriers. Women need access to the resources, institutions, information and networks that can help transform their ideas into viable and sustainable livelihoods.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

For news straight to your phone invite us:

Muzi Zincume 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Zululand Observer in Google News and Top Stories.