Rallying Men, Reshaping Futures for Women and Girls in Zimbabwe

Rita Tiriboyi, a dynamic advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, hails from the vibrant town of Bindura, Zimbabwe. As the founder of Ree Inspiration for Girlchild Empowerment (RIGE) and a WOSSO Fellow, Rita’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. 

Rita’s passion for gender equality ignited the creation of RIGE, an organization dedicated to helping women realize their full potential. Her commitment to this cause led her to become a WOSSO Fellow, where she developed an innovative advocacy plan focused on male engagement in Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR). 

Rita’s advocacy plan, “Champions for Change: Empowering Men to be SRHR Advocates in Bindura Rural,” addresses the critical issue of limited SRHR knowledge and access among adolescent girls in Zimbabwe. By engaging men as SRHR champions, Rita aims to create a supportive environment where women can freely access the services they need.  

One of the most significant changes brought about by Rita’s efforts is the increased involvement of men in SRHR education and advocacy. Her initial outreach efforts have already reached 290 men, with a goal of reaching 400 by October 2025. Rita’s plan also includes the development of a key advocacy message to be displayed on a community banner, encouraging men to support access to SRHR. This initiative is further supported by social media campaigns and collaboration with local government and SRHR service providers. 

Rita Tiriboyi’s unwavering dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment is transforming her community. By engaging men as SRHR advocates, she is creating a more supportive environment for women to access essential services. Her efforts are poised to have a lasting impact on policy-making at both local and national levels in Zimbabwe.