Zimbabwe's Generation Equality Commitment Makers: Driving Change for Women and Girls

_{Generation Equality Commitment Makers in Zimbabwe share their work for women and girls. Photo: UN Women Zimbabwe}

Generation Equality is a global effort that brings together various stakeholders to drive change for women and girls. By working together in partnership, the action is taking place all around the globe. Today, we bring you inspiring stories from Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is as a significant contributor to the Generation Equality movement with nine dedicated Commitment Makers working across multiple action coalitions. These organizations are implementing initiatives that address gender-based violence, economic justice, sexual and reproductive health rights, and more - making up part of the 282 commitments in Africa and 125 commitment makers in East and Southern Africa.

In February 2025, these voices came together at Zimbabwe's first-ever Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting, co-hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe and UN Women. From government ministries to grassroots organizations, Zimbabwe's commitment makers are creating meaningful change in communities across the nation. We invite you to read their stories, in their own words:

Zimbabwe's Commitment Makers in Action

"Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment", shared H.O Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. The Government of Zimbabwe is closely working with UN Women and its Commitment Makers to strengthen partnerships and advance the rights of women and girls in the country as part of the Generation Equality global movement.

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Commitment Maker in the area of Feminist Movements and Leadership, works to increase meaningful participation, leadership and decision-making power of women and girls in Zimbabwe.

"Generation Equality has been transforming gender equality in my country through inclusive leadership, increasing the participation of young women as well as advancing policy reforms. We are happy for the progress that we are making, although more can be done", says Chioniso Michelle Murinda, Chairperson of the AWLN Zimbabwe Young Women Caucus.

For Yes Trust Zimbabwe, Commitment Maker in the area of  Gender-Based Violence, with the goal of implementing public education strategies on violence against women and girls, Generation Equality serves as a vital network, uniting feminists to strengthen collective action, especially in the face of significant pushback against equality.

“Generation Equality wants to bring everyone together for diversity, inclusivity and participation. We can always look back and see a group of feminists that support us through the challenges of this journey”, shares Nthando Sibanda, representing Yes Trust Zimbabwe.

With the goal of creating a safe learning space for young women in academic institutions in Zimbabwe, The Female Students Network Trust is running the project "Strengthening Women's Advocacy in Health Governance and Accountability in Higher Intentional Education. A Commitment Maker in the area of gender-based violence, the network is expanding their impact under the Generation Equality commitment program: “Under Generation Equality, we are deepening our area scope, and we are now engaging with authorities”, shares Evernice Munando, Founder of the Network.

Also working in the area of ending gender-based violence and promoting the well-being of women and girls in Zimbabwe is the Institute of Women Social Workers, who is strategically engaging with men and boys as critical enablers for women and girls’ empowerment in the country.

“With the help of our local partners such as the Zimbabwe’s Ministry and the UN women, who have provided us with capacity, we have reached marginalized areas in the Mbire District in the fight of gender-based violence”, said Hazel Kandima, Program Coordinator at the Institute.

_{Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe’s  Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, in the Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting on 27 February 2025 in Zimbabwe. Photo: UN Women Zimbabwe}

Working towards a more inclusive society

Looking at the empowerment and protection of persons with disabilities, the organization Smile Action International is working to eradicate stigma and discrimination in Zimbabwe, given women and girls with disabilities training, under its gender empowerment program.

“We discovered that there is a gap for persons with disability in terms of inclusion. So as an organization we are trying try to fill that gap by involving women and girls with disabilities in activities” shared Trish Masuku, Director of the organization, providing insights on training in sign language, financial support for project schemes, sanitary wear programs, and project planning and management.

The Commitment Maker SRHR Africa Trust (SAT), working in Young People's Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Zimbabwe, aims to ensure a healthy, gender-equal working environment through the effective implementation of gender policies in the country.

“We are currently reviewing the Termination of Pregnancy Act, ensuring recognition of the sexual reproductive health and rights of women and girls as per the Maputo Plan Protocol Article 14”, shares Raymond Mazhambe, Youth Officer at SAT. The organization has an active advocacy role in the country by advocating for women in leadership roles and by addressing the implementation of gender policies such as the 50-50 framework and the Sexual Harassments Policy in Zimbabwe.

Generation Equality has made a tangible impact across Zimbabwe. From implementing key training programs, enhancing economic empowerment and ending violence against women, the initiatives led on the ground by the Generation Equality Commitment Makers in Zimbabwe are driving real and lasting change.