Zimbabwe: Engaging men as champions for change

Rita Tiriboyi, a WOSSO fellow and founder of Ree Inspiration for Girlchild Empowerment (RIGE), led an initiative aimed at engaging men in Bindura rural community to champion Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). In the community, patriarchal norms had long hindered women’s access to essential SRHR services. While efforts had been made to empower women, men remained excluded from key conversations, despite their roles as decision-makers.

Rita’s advocacy sought to close this gap by educating men about the importance of SRHR, not only for women but for themselves and their families. Through men’s forum dialogues, speak-out sessions with traditional and local leaders, and SRHR-themed men's soccer tournaments, RIGE created accessible platforms where men could learn and openly discuss their perceptions.

These engagements led to significant changes. By December 2025, more than 510 men had been reached directly—up from 290 in the previous year. Men expressed growing interest in understanding and supporting SRHR, contributing to an increase in positive attitudes towards women’s empowerment.

Collaboration with local leaders strengthened the initiative. Traditional leaders, councillors, district health officials and religious leaders began integrating SRHR discussions into their community structures. Their participation signalled a shift in perception, with leaders recognising the importance of male involvement in advancing gender equality.

A key outcome was the development of a community advocacy banner encouraging support for SRHR. This banner, mounted at a local business centre, represented the collective commitment towards change.

Sustainability efforts include a WhatsApp group created for identified male champions, ensuring ongoing discussions and peer education. Traditional leaders also invited Rita to major gatherings, reinforcing her role as a partner in community development. One notable example was her attendance at the chief’s court, where a case of rape was handled with newfound understanding by a male champion who acknowledged his wrongdoing, demonstrating behavioural transformation.

Rita continues to build on these relationships, ensuring SRHR advocacy remains embedded in community systems. With continued commitment from men and leaders, the movement towards gender equality in Bindura is expected to grow even further.

Tinashe Zvorwadza "A real man accompanies his partner to the hospital."

Cephas Tafirenyika "An unwanted pregnancy is not only a woman’s responsibility and should not lead to violence."

Chief Masembura "Men in the Bindura community lack knowledge on SRHR advocacy and more needs to be done."

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