Harare, Zimbabwe – May 1, 2023 – The Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zimbabwe (FAWEZI) today released its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting significant progress in advocating for girls’ education, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and promoting gender equality.

Elevating Girls’ Voices, Amplifying Their Needs

FAWEZI’s engagement with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education provided a crucial platform to champion the rights and address the challenges faced by girls in their project schools. This collaboration ensured girls’ voices were heard in decision-making processes concerning their educational journeys.

Empowering Communities with SRHR Knowledge and Services

Through the Girl Supporter project, FAWEZI conducted vital SRHR outreaches in Chitungwiza and Shamva Districts. Over 576 individuals benefitted from essential services including counselling, child protection, HIV testing, and access to condoms. This initiative empowered communities with knowledge and resources, dismantling barriers to comprehensive SRHR education and services, particularly for marginalized populations.

Creating Safe Spaces, Enhancing Support for SGBV Survivors

A landmark achievement was achieved under the Girl Supporter project – the partitioning of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED) offices in Shamva. This transformation provided four separate offices, including two dedicated counselling rooms equipped to provide first-line support for survivors of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Ensuring Access to Clean Water – A Stepping Stone to Education

FAWEZI’s commitment to fostering conducive learning environments is exemplified by the establishment of the first school with tapped water access in Marange District, Manicaland Province. Mt. Matedzi Secondary School now benefits from this vital improvement, thanks to FAWEZI’s support under the Improving Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Learners (INWASH) project, funded by the German Embassy.

Promoting Gender Equality, Leaving No One Behind

The impact of FAWEZI’s programs extends far beyond infrastructure development. Through initiatives like SASA! Together, under the Towards Resilient Communities with Health, Equity, and Safety for All (TORCHES) project, FAWEZI reached an impressive 33,241 individuals, promoting gender-transformative approaches to address violence and champion equality. Notably, 943 persons with disabilities were included, reaffirming FAWEZI’s dedication to inclusive education and empowerment.

Celebrating Academic Success, Recognizing Achievements

FAWEZI is proud to announce that four students funded under the Global Giving program excelled academically, achieving at least five ‘O’ Levels. This success story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education when barriers are removed.

Further adding to the year’s achievements, a Zimbabwe Chapter alumni member was elected FAWE Africa Alumni Chair, and FAWEZI’s participation in the International Children’s Global Summit in India amplified their voice on the global stage.

A Call to Continued Action

FAWEZI expresses its deepest gratitude to its dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners whose unwavering commitment fuels positive change. Looking ahead, FAWEZI remains resolute in its mission to transform the educational landscape for girls in Zimbabwe. They invite everyone to join them in their unwavering pursuit of creating a future where every girl thrives, contributes meaningfully to the nation’s development, and becomes the architect of her own destiny.

Read Report Here: 2023 FAWEZI ANNUAL REPORT