Zimbabwe: Empowering women, youth and communities through Inclusive leadership in ward 6, umguza

My name is Councilor Busisiwe Mpofu Brown, elected councilor for Ward 6 in Umguza District, Matabeleland North. When I stepped into office, our community faced severe challenges: crippling water shortages, poor access to health services, unemployment, and very limited opportunities for women and youth. Women walked long distances for water, struggled through their menstrual cycles due to lack of sanitary pads, and had little access to health information or support. Youth, too, had few developmental spaces and almost no empowerment platforms. 

I came into leadership with a clear vision to build an empowered, healthy and united Ward 6, where women, youth and every resident could thrive. I believed that true leadership must be people centered, inclusive, and grounded in community ownership. Before I arrived, no structured health programs existed. Empowerment activities were rare, and there was little sense of shared purpose. 

The first step was listening. Listening to women who carried the burdens of their families. Listening to youth who wanted opportunities. Listening to leaders and elders who understood the community’s history. That is how our journey began with the community at the Centre of every decision and every solution. The transformation in Ward 6 has been remarkable, visible and deeply felt. 

Clean, accessible water has been one of our greatest victories. With the drilling of boreholes through partnerships with supportive organizations, women and children no longer walk long distances for water. Clean water near homes has improved hygiene, health, and school attendance and enabled families to start vegetable gardens that boost nutrition and create new income streams. Our health programs have changed lives.  

We introduced free community health expos where residents receive screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Partnerships with medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies ensured that hundreds of residents received essential medicines they could previously not afford. Understanding the dignity and needs of young women, we mobilized sanitary pads during International Menstrual Hygiene Month, supporting schoolgirls and young women. Even more empowering, we established a Women’s Club that now manufactures reusable sanitary pads creating sustainable access, boosting confidence, and providing skills and income opportunities. 

In October, our Breast Cancer Awareness March united men, women, leaders and health workers in promoting early detection. The awareness effort encouraged many women to go for screening and helped reduce fear and stigma around cancer. Recognizing the importance of men as partners in development, we introduced Men’s Conferences, opening dialogue on gender equality, responsibility, and healthier relationships. Our sports and cultural events have also strengthened peace, unity, and positive youth engagement. 

Ward 6 is no longer a community struggling in silence. It is a community known for empowerment, dignity, unity, and progress. This change was built through collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision. To address water shortages, we partnered with Bhungane Investments and other supporters to drill new boreholes in the most affected villages. As access to water improved, health and agricultural livelihoods improved too. 

We introduced farmer training and encouraged households to grow tomatoes, cabbages and other crops using available water sources. My long term dream is to make Ward 6 the agricultural hub of Umguza a Centre of food production and economic opportunity. Health programs were strengthened through Health Expo Days, where nurses and doctors provided screening, health education, and donated medicines. These events brought services directly to people who otherwise struggled to access clinics. 

The menstrual hygiene crisis inspired the launch of the Reusable Pads Women’s Club, which now trains women and girls, ensuring that no learner misses school because of lack of pads. The Breast Cancer Awareness March brought the entire community together under one message: “Early detection saves lives.” Each initiative grew because the community embraced it. Our transformation came from working together women, youth, elders, men and leaders. 

Every Programme in Ward 6 is designed for long term sustainability. 
We established community-led committees responsible for managing boreholes, leading Women’s Club activities, and coordinating health outreach. These committees ensure continuity and strengthen ownership. Health expos now rotate across multiple villages, with plans to expand further. We are designing a youth led agriculture training Programme to build skills and inspire the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. 

My vision is for Ward 6 to become a self sustaining, food secure producer with women and youth at the Centre of economic activity. Partnerships with local government, private companies, and NGOs will continue to fuel growth. Empowering people to take ownership ensures that progress will continue even after my term. Most importantly, Ward 6 has embraced a culture of unity men, women, and youth working together for shared transformation. 

Busisiwe Mpofu Brown, Zimbabwe

Click here to view video content