Zimbabwe: Councillor Ruvimbo T. Keti – A Voice, A Survivor, A Champion.

Councillor Ruvimbo T. Keti is a dynamic Proportional Representative Councillor under Redcliff Municipality, a small-scale farmer, and the founder of Zimbabwe Young Girls Against Early Child Marriages (ZYGAEM). Beyond her leadership roles, she is also a survivor of early child marriage an experience that has shaped her purpose, strengthened her resolve, and guided her journey as a champion for girls’ rights in her community. Gender Links Zimbabwe gave her the platform to become a champion in standing for what is right and just. Having been chosen as a councillor has given her the confidence to voice and influence policy at local level. She often shares her truth with courage and conviction: 
“I was married young. I know the fear, the confusion, and the lost dreams that early marriage forces upon a child.” 

Growing up in a society where child marriage was normalized, her own life followed a path many girls in Redcliff still face—being pulled out of school too early, burdened with responsibilities too heavy for a child, and robbed of years meant for learning, dreaming, and simply being a girl. Yet instead of silencing her, this painful experience ignited a fire that drives her work today. 
“My lived experience is my strength. It makes me fight harder, speak louder, and push further for every girl whose voice is not yet heard.” Said Ruvimbo. For many years, early child marriage was considered normal in her community. Girls as young as 13 or 14 were being married off due to poverty, cultural expectations, and limited awareness of the dangers. Schools watched girls disappear from classrooms. Health clinics recorded pregnancies among children barely in their teens. Entire generations of girls were losing their futures before they had even begun. 

 Through Councillor Keti’s relentless advocacy and community-driven initiatives, a remarkable transformation has begun to take root. Parents and guardians are more informed and more protective than ever before. They now value their daughters’ education and understand the dangers associated with early marriage. During one community dialogue, a parent admitted, “We didn’t know the harm early marriage caused. Now we see it clearly.” 
Her efforts have helped many girls at risk stay in school, and some who had previously dropped out have returned with renewed hope and confidence. Teachers, church leaders, and community members now collaborate with her to identify risks early, report harmful situations, and intervene before harm occurs. Through ZYGAEM, she has created safe spaces where girls meet, talk freely, learn their rights, and rebuild confidence after trauma. She believes deeply that, “When girls speak, healing begins. And when they are heard, change begins.” The organization offers peer support, empowerment programs, mentorship, and life skills that help girls understand their worth and potential. Councillor Keti has also led powerful outreach programs, school visits, church engagements, and community dialogues focused on the dangers of early child marriage. Together with Redcliff Municipality, she strengthened child protection awareness, donated sanitary wear to schools, and supported vulnerable girls with school fees through the Cheer Fund Program. This practical support has kept many girls in school or helped them re-enter education with dignity. 

 The signs of change are increasingly visible. Cases of early marriage have declined in several wards. Community vigilance has grown, and families now openly condemn the practice. Girls are more confident and knowledgeable about their rights—they speak out, report threats, and seek help when necessary. Community leaders are enforcing child protection laws more strictly, and several attempted early marriages have been intercepted or referred for legal action. 

This transformation is reshaping the entire community. What was once accepted without question is now being challenged bravely and openly. Families are valuing education over marriage. Girls are empowered, informed, and capable of advocating for themselves. The community is becoming more aware, more educated, and more equitable. 

 Councillor Keti remains committed to sustaining this momentum. She continues to lead awareness campaigns in schools, churches, and community meetings. She strengthens partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and institutions that support the protection of girls. She expands mentorship, scholarship support, and life-skills training to keep girls in school. She actively engages men and boys—fathers, brothers, and male leaders so they become protectors and supporters of girls’ rights. 
She is also building community-based monitoring and reporting systems to ensure that early marriages are identified and stopped before they occur. Through radio programs, posters, drama, and social media, she spreads awareness to wider audiences. Youth champions are being trained to advocate for their peers and lead the next wave of change. 

 Evidence of this progress is clear and compelling. Health clinics and schools are reporting fewer early marriage cases. More girls are staying in school through puberty and beyond. Community leaders now openly reject early marriages. Parents encourage their daughters to complete school. Social workers and NGOs report intercepting attempts at early marriage more frequently. Girls themselves are participating in awareness campaigns, confidently speaking about their rights and futures. Local council and NGO records confirm ongoing efforts to protect and empower girls. 

As a survivor-turned-leader, Councillor Ruvimbo T. Keti carries a mission fuelled by personal experience and strengthened by community commitment. Her advocacy is not just work it is purpose, healing, and legacy. 

As she concludes councillor Ruvimbo had this to say “Every girl deserves to grow, to dream, and to choose her own future.” 
Thus, because of her efforts and the growing unity within the community, hope is no longer just a possibility it is becoming a lived reality. The movement is growing, and together, they are building a future where early child marriage becomes not only discouraged, but entirely unimaginable.  Society and government are challenged to craft policies and laws that every girl should have hope, every family should choose education over marriage, and every leader should be the custodian of laws that protect the girl child. 

By: Ruvimbo Keti