Zimbabwe: Bridgit Gutsa

“I thought it is the responsibility of men to take care of women but when I met Gender Links, I realised It was a myth”.

 I have a small business that I run that sustains my livelihood. I no longer beg for food from friends. I am now able to provide at least two to three meals a day, unlike before.  I can now interact with different people from various backgrounds. I have gained self-confidence and I participate in any debate without fear.

I used to beg for food from neighbours and friends. My situation was dire to the extent that I could not provide shelter for my family. I am a single parent looking after my daughter and grandson. I was chased from my parents’ house with no income to provide food or shelter.  For more than a week I looked for any family that was willing to give me a job as a house helper in exchange for accommodation. Fortunately, I found one who managed to accommodate her family there. I got training in business management through the Gender Links Sunrise Campaign programme.  I can provide for my family.

I am now confident as I am aware that there are so many women who are in the same situation as I was before. I encourage other women to find something to do and use the small resources that they may have to start just a small business and their life will change for the better. I have expanded my business and can now send my grandson to school, and provide a decent meal for the family.

I would like to thank Gender links because they taught me that as long as I have no income, I am susceptible to gender-based violence. I thank Gender Links staff for some of the changes I have experienced.

I now record all the information on all the transactions which will make it easy to identify what is in stock, how much was spent, what’s the profit and loss.

Furthermore Gutsa, the council gender focal person, has also contributed to the change because she mentors me. She has encouraged us to engage in internal savings and lendings, and also make weekly contributions for the purchases of groceries. As a result, we work for us to contribute with other members whilst we are doing it for the families”

In future, I would like to run a very big business and create employment for many people so I can assist other women who are struggling to make ends meet. I want to be like Mai Tashinga one of the successful businesswomen in Norton Zimbabwe.