Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THOUSANDS of girls and young women in Manicaland and Chitungwiza are set to benefit from leadership and governance training aimed at increasing their participation in community decision-making.
This follows the recent launch of the Diakonia-supported Power Project, a brainchild of Shamwari Yemwanasikana, designed to empower girls and young women aged 10 to 35, both in and out of school, to take on leadership roles and transform harmful cultural and social norms that limit female participation.
During the inception meeting, which coincided with the celebrations of Women’s Month in Mutare on Thursday, Shamwari Yemwanasikana project manager Mr Fanuel Marowa said the initiative focuses on strengthening the voice and confidence of girls and young women within governance structures.
“Today (Thursday), we are implementing the inception meeting of the Daikonia-supported Power Project. Our focus is on emancipating the girl child in leadership and governance, including both school-going and out-of-school girls and women.
“Through this project, we hope to achieve a 30 percent increase in the number of women and girls taking up leadership positions within communities. We also aim to transform harmful social and cultural norms that hinder girls from fully participating in leadership and decision-making,” Mr Marowa said.
Government officials welcomed the initiative as timely and relevant during Women’s Month.
Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training District Officer, Ms Manyara Mazwi, praised the project for supporting the girl child.
“We are grateful for the Power Project, which empowers girls to take leadership roles,” she said.
“Although this pilot covers three wards, we hope to see it expand and reach more communities.”
Participants at the meeting expressed excitement about the programme’s potential to build confidence and leadership skills.
“As a girl child, I feel empowered to take part in leadership activities and inspire my peers. This project gives us a voice and the tools to lead,” said Tsitsidzashe Makande, a secondary school student.
Community members also acknowledged the initiative’s impact.
Mr Lloyd Sembo described it as “very powerful,” noting its potential to enable girls and young women to contribute meaningfully to community governance.
The Power Project will provide training workshops, mentorship and practical exercises, creating a pipeline of confident girls and young women ready to lead.
Organisers said monitoring and evaluation will track participation and outcomes, providing lessons for future expansion.
