The Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zimbabwe (FAWEZI), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) and with support from UNICEF, convened an Inception Meeting in Chitungwiza to introduce the RISE (Resilient, Innovative, Skilled and Empowered) Girls Project to key stakeholders.

The inception meeting provided a platform to align national and local stakeholders around a shared vision for advancing adolescent girls’ education, wellbeing, and leadership. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), Department of Social Development (DSD), National AIDS Council (NAC), Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit (ZRP VFU), Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing (MLGPWNH), the Office of the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, as well as civil society organisations.

Implemented by FAWEZI with support from UNICEF, the RISE Girls Project is a targeted intervention designed to empower over 24,000 adolescent girls in Chipinge and Chitungwiza. The project adopts a holistic, multi-sectoral approach aimed at dismantling structural barriers that limit girls’ potential, including unequal access to education, gender-based violence, poor adolescent health outcomes, and limited opportunities for skills development and leadership.

The engagement strengthened coordination among duty bearers and partners, fostering shared ownership and accountability for delivering integrated, girl-centred interventions. Stakeholders commended the initiative and expressed strong commitment to collaborative action that advances gender equality, education, and adolescent health.

FAWEZI reaffirms its commitment to working with government, communities, and partners to build a generation of resilient, innovative, skilled, and empowered girls who are equipped to lead and drive sustainable change within their communities and beyond.