Zimbabwe: A new dawn of transformation

From an early age, I witnessed how gender stereotypes restricted the dreams and opportunities of rural girls and women. These limitations did not stem from lack of capacity, but from social norms that taught us to shrink ourselves, to defer to men, and to accept inequality as a way of life.

As I grew older, I refused to let these norms define my future. I became involved in women’s empowerment programmes led by NGOs, where I rediscovered my voice, confidence, and self‑esteem. These programmes deconstructed the patriarchal beliefs that had shaped my childhood and helped me see myself as a leader. This personal transformation set me on a path that would eventually lead me into political office as a Councillor—a space still dominated by men, often unwelcoming to women's leadership.

Becoming a Councillor opened my eyes further to the systemic and structural barriers that silence women in governance. Decision‑making spaces rarely prioritised gender balance, and women’s issues were often sidelined. I learned quickly that occupying a seat at the table was only the first step; using that seat to advocate for women was the work that mattered.

At the same time, the challenges facing rural women in my community remained stark. Girls continued to miss school because they lacked access to sanitary pads, contributing to shame, absenteeism, and in some cases, dropping out entirely. Families struggled with domestic violence, land disputes, and child custody matters without knowledge of their rights. Many did not know how to navigate the justice system, leaving them vulnerable to injustice and cycles of instability.

These realities strengthened my resolve to push for change—both at an institutional and personal level.

Driving Change from Within Institutions

My journey as a gender advocate catalysed transformation within the Mutoko Rural District Council. I initiated conversations on gender-responsive governance that resulted in the establishment of a Gender Management Committee. This committee now reviews policies to ensure they align with gender-sensitive principles.

To shift organisational culture, I introduced gender awareness training for council staff. These sessions helped foster inclusivity and encouraged departments to integrate gender considerations into all planning processes, including budgeting. As a result, the Council has significantly increased funding for programmes supporting women and marginalised genders. This institutional shift has led to better decision-making and a more equitable environment where women can thrive.

One of our proudest achievements is the increase in women’s political representation. Through continuous lobbying and gender advocacy, the Council now has ten female councillors—a historic milestone for Mutoko. We also adopted the 3-by-two development model, which ensures that community priorities include a women-driven development project. In Ward 16, this led to the establishment of a poultry project under the pass‑on‑pig scheme, strengthening women’s economic independence.

A Journey of Personal Transformation

Championing gender equality has profoundly reshaped my personal and professional life. Engaging with diverse women in the community deepened my empathy and understanding of the complex challenges they face. Mentors, activists, and training programmes inspired me to refine my leadership skills and use my voice more boldly.

This journey also transformed dynamics within my own household. My family now openly discusses gender roles, and my siblings support the education and career aspirations of all children, regardless of gender. My husband, once unsure about my activism, has become one of my strongest allies. He supports my leadership journey wholeheartedly—funding some of my empowerment initiatives and encouraging my role as Chairperson of the Gender Committee.

Sustaining and Scaling Change

To ensure longevity of these gains, we continue to build partnerships and invest in women’s leadership.

We have advocated for gender-sensitive financial programmes, including microloans and entrepreneurship training for women. Through partnerships with organisations such as WMB, women now receive practical training on budgeting, financial management, product development, and marketing—skills essential for building sustainable businesses.

We also strengthened leadership pathways for women through partnerships like the African Women’s Leadership Network (AWLN), which provides mentorship and decision‑making training. Collaboration with WIPSU has expanded opportunities for women to engage in politics through training on public speaking, campaigning, negotiation, and policy advocacy.

These initiatives aim to increase women’s representation across public and private sectors, ensuring that gender equality is not only an aspiration but a sustained reality.

Evidence of Transformation

The change is visible at all levels:

• Household: My family now practices gender equality consciously. Gender roles have shifted, and women’s empowerment is openly supported.
• Institutional: Mutoko Rural District Council now has gender‑responsive systems, increased female representation, gender‑responsive budgeting, and development priorities that directly benefit women.
• Policy: The adoption of the female quota system and the 40% increase in funding for women’s health and education demonstrate concrete policy shifts.

These milestones mark not just my personal journey of empowerment, but a collective movement toward justice, equality, and dignity for women in Mutoko.

By: Heather M Makore

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