Story of Change: Championing gender equality in Zimbabwe

[embed]https://surveygizmoresponseuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/fileuploads%2F382553%2F8167909%2F146-ffcddaad1b6be3c11a5459e6394a7a16_wRkx1YvFvwwYvUcF.mp4[/embed]In the heart of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Methembe Songo serves as a dedicated Programmes Manager at the South-West Rights Group Network (SWRGN). As a male advocate for gender equality, he is breaking barriers and making a significant impact. His role as a HeForShe Champion has transformed lives in the Mangwe District, demonstrating that men play a crucial role in promoting women's rights. Methembe's leadership was highlighted at the 2025 Women’s Voice and Leadership Learning and Sharing Summit, where he shared his vision for a more inclusive, equal, and prosperous society.DescriptionMethembe’s work is dedicated to fostering safe spaces for dialogue around Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), while actively engaging men and boys in essential conversations about gender justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and women's leadership. His advocacy efforts aim to influence policy changes that ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes. As a champion of women's rights, Methembe has played a pivotal role in challenging and shifting entrenched cultural norms within Zimbabwean communities. His key milestones include conducting research on the gendered impacts of policies during his Master’s studies to support evidence-based advocacy, training traditional and religious leaders on SRHR to dismantle taboos surrounding women’s health, and mobilising male allies to promote women’s leadership in local governance.Monitoring and EvaluationMethembe's initiatives demonstrate measurable impact. Notably, there have been significant behavioral shifts, as evidenced by testimonials that highlight this transformation. One such example is from a leader in Mangwe who noted, "Men now openly discuss women's rights," illustrating how attitudes towards gender equality have evolved within the community. This evidence underscores the effectiveness of the programs in fostering dialogue and promoting awareness of women's rights.Changes that have occurred:

• The impact of efforts towards gender equality can be observed at various levels. At the individual level, there has been a significant shift, as men and boys are now more willing to openly discuss important topics such as gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the issue of toxic masculinity. This change in conversations has also led to an increase in women's confidence when it comes to claiming their rights.
• Moving to the community level, awareness campaigns have effectively contributed to a decline in early marriages, demonstrating a change in societal attitudes. Furthermore, there is a noticeable increase in women's participation in local councils and development projects, which reflects a growing recognition of their contributions and roles in shaping their communities.
• At the societal and policy influence level, there has been a concerted effort to advocate for gender-sensitive policies within local governance structures. Additionally, there is an ongoing push for the inclusion of SRHR education in schools and churches, ensuring that these critical topics are addressed in all spheres of society. This multi-level impact illustrates the comprehensive nature of efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and empowerment.
• Methembe’s success can be attributed to several key factors. First, he demonstrates remarkable courage in challenging patriarchal norms, positioning himself as a male advocate for women’s rights. His innovative approach involves facilitating community dialogues that effectively shift mindsets toward gender equality. Additionally, his collaboration with traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations, and policymakers has strengthened his initiatives, allowing for a more comprehensive and impactful effort in promoting social change.

Significance of the changeMethembe's work transcends individual outcomes by rewriting Zimbabwe's gender narrative through several key strategies. His model demonstrates that male allyship is essential for accelerating equality, serving as a template that can be applied even in conservative contexts. By embedding dialogues within chiefs' courts and churches, he ensures that these discussions have a sustainable generational impact. Furthermore, his efforts directly align with Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality) and 16 (inclusive institutions), advancing localised advocacy that promotes a more equitable society.What contribution did your organisation make to this change?The South-West Rights Group Network has played a crucial role in supporting Methembe Songo’s transformative efforts in advocating for gender-sensitive policies and practices. By providing vital institutional support, strategic direction, and advocacy platforms, SWRGN has enabled critical interventions such as capacity-building workshops that equipped Methembe with essential tools for effective advocacy. Their collaboration extended to research partnerships that informed his evidence-based approach to policy reform, amplifying his impact by connecting him with traditional leaders and policymakers. This connection created pathways for systemic change in SRHR and enhanced women's political participation. Furthermore, SWRGN established community dialogue structures that enabled Methembe to scale his male allyship programs across districts, supported by monitoring frameworks that documented significant outcomes, including a reduction in early marriages and an increase in women in leadership roles. By institutionalising Methembe's grassroots initiatives, SWRGN has ensured that his innovative model of men championing gender justice remains sustainable and replicable.Next StepsMethembe has outlined a strategic plan to deepen his impact in promoting gender equality and SRHR. His initiatives include expanding male allyship programs to reach additional districts, which aim to engage more men in the conversation and action surrounding gender issues. Additionally, he plans to strengthen partnerships with religious leaders to advocate effectively for SRHR, recognising their influence within communities. Furthermore, Methembe intends to lobby for national policy reforms that prioritise gender equality, ensuring that systemic changes support his advocacy work.ConclusionMethembe Songo’s story proves that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal imperative. His leadership is transforming communities in Zimbabwe, one conversation at a time.