Through education, sale of their art in the U.S., and special projects, ZAP helps women become economically self-sufficient. Women of Weya are subsistence farmers, mothers, and householders as well as artists. Most women live on their own, providing for families. Some are widowed, others are single heads of households, since throughout Zimbabwe men leave the rural areas to seek work in cities. Women?s income from agriculture is unpredictable and limited. Sales of their art helps women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer. Since the market for Weya art in Zimbabwe is extremely limited, sales in the U.S. are critical, and ZAP pays the artists for their work directly at the time of purchase. ZAP?s complementary goal is to communicate with Americans about Zimbabwe?s history and culture, as well as about the artists lives. At Weya art shows in the U.S., we address issues of gender, colonialism, and globalization. Through our video and through the photographs of the artists and the stories that accompany each piece of art, we offer connections with real African people. Stereotypes of plighted masses give way to images of rural African women as strong, talented, and fully capable human beings.