In a global context where girls and young women continue to emerge as changemakers, innovators, and leaders, the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zimbabwe (FAWEZI), in partnership with Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) and with support from FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation, commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child 2025 under the theme “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

Through the She Leads Symposium 2025: Amplifying Voices, Driving Change, FAWEZI convened a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue that brought together young women from BUSE, representatives from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD), and development partners, including CAMFED. The symposium provided a platform to spotlight the leadership, resilience, and innovation of young women in higher education, particularly within STEM and emerging fields.

Building on the momentum of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child commemorations held at Harare Polytechnic, this year’s engagement placed young women in tertiary institutions at the centre of the conversation. Discussions highlighted their critical role in shaping inclusive and resilient education systems, influencing policy and practice, and advancing gender equality in higher education and beyond.

The symposium reinforced the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and institutional support in enabling young women to thrive as leaders and decision-makers in times of crisis and transformation.

FAWEZI reaffirms its commitment to amplifying girls’ and young women’s voices, strengthening mentorship pathways, and working with higher education institutions and partners to ensure that young women in tertiary education are supported to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change.