I Am Generation Equality: Councilor Michelle Murinda

I am generation equality because….

I believe that every young woman has the power to shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. My name is Councilor Michelle Murinda, Government Official and Representative of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).

How is Generation Equality making a difference in your country?

Generation Equality has been a game-changer for gender equality movements in Zimbabwe. It mobilized a more inclusive leadership, increased the participation of young women, and pushed for policy reform advances, improving the status of women. Although we celebrate what we have achieved so far, we still recognize how much further we need to go on our path to true equality.

In Zimbabwe, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has been a powerful force. Our approach incorporates intergenerational mentorship and leadership, ensuring that, for every senior woman in a leadership role, a young woman is equally empowered to take on the same responsibilities. This structure not only creates space for young women but also strengthens leadership by cultivating continuity and shared knowledge across generations.

How is your organization making a difference in promoting Generation Equality?

ALWN is driving impactful changes through intergenerational mentorship and co-leadership. It empowers young women to collaborate with the senior leaders in creating a holistic and inclusive perspective in the decision-making processes. AWLN has built 36 national chapters across Africa with platforms to influence policy at global, continental, and national levels to address inequalities. Through this model, we aim to ensure that the impact in women’s space is sustainable and reaches all levels of society.

How are you benefiting from Generation Equality?

Generation Equality has been life-changing for me. It empowered me to become a government official and councilor. This would not have been possible without the effort’s actions of the visionary women who establish the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995. They paved the way for young women like me to stand alongside leaders and participate in national and international discussions as equals.

As a representative of AWLN, I am here to amplify the voices of our 36 national chapters across Africa, the largest network of women leaders on the continent. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of African women are heard across the 12 key areas that the Beijing Platform for Action establishes. We are working to drive policy and advocacy changes for women who may not yet be part of the AWLN network but share our vision of achieving equality and representation for all.

How can we use a multi-stakeholder approach to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing +30 declaration platform?

What I appreciate most about the Generation Equality platform is the collaborative spirit. To fast-track the goals of Beijing +30, it is important that stakeholders collaborate instead of duplicating efforts. While advancing global gender equality goals, it is important that stakeholders emphasize local ownership, for effective outcomes.

We aim to strengthen partnerships among governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. While the past 30 years have focused on creating policies, the next step is financing these initiatives. Without adequate resources, these policies risk remaining ideas rather than becoming actionable outcomes.

What  is the key takeaway from this platform?

The intergenerational approach to these consultations has been especially meaningful. It's an honor to work alongside senior women who were part of the original 1995 Beijing Conference Young women, we learn and draw strength and wisdom from those who came before us, to guide us and inspiring hope for a better future.

Moving forward, I will advocate for promoting positive masculinity. While much has been accomplished by women,  it is essential to  involve men in this journey to frame gender equality as a societal issue, not just for women. We need every voice at the table to build a truly inclusive and transformative world for future generations.

Quote: "Together, we can drive the change we seek by using our strengths to advocate for the rights of young women, envisioning a world where everyone can make a difference" - Councillor Michelle Murinda