Shift the Power

Why now?

Women have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis, and if we don’t address this now women will continue to carry this burden long into the future. In Zimbabwe, where the economy and health system were already fragile, the virus has been particularly disastrous for women. More likely to be in informal work, women have seen their livelihoods disappear. They struggle to access necessities like food, contraception, and period products. And poverty is driving a surge in violence against women and girls.

Forced to stay in dangerous situations due to lockdowns and school closures, and isolated from support networks, women and girls have been unable to get help.

This International Women’s Day, we are asking: who powers women? Who will get women who are isolated or struggling the care they need? As we hopefully move beyond COVID-19, who will make lasting change for women in their communities? The answer, of course, is women themselves.

Women Powering Women 

Right now, just 1 in 4 parliamentarians are women and millions of  women are excluded from having a voice in their own homes and communities across the world. But in Zimbabwe, our partner Women’s Action Group is helping women to change this.

Women’s Action Group is already mobilising to support vulnerable women and girls. They have created a helpline for women experiencing domestic violence, providing counselling and urgent assistance. They have distributed food packs, period products and face masks to vulnerable women and girls. And they have trained ‘Community Champions’ to advocate and mobilise for women in their community.

Shiellar’s Story

Shiellar is a community champion who recognised that women were particularly at risk of violence when accessing water. Water shortages meant that women had to rely on the men who controlled access to the wells. Women could be assaulted, harassed, or even sexually abused as they queued for water. But Sheillar brought women in her community together and formed a group to build two new wells. These wells are overseen by women, meaning other women in the community can access clean drinking water in safety.

“All these years, I didn’t realise that I have the power to influence change in my community as a woman. As a single woman who lives in a male dominated community, I would hesitate to speak out on issues affecting women due to fear of being judged. Thanks to WAG for the training which has made me realise my potential and the power within me.

I started forming several groups that are tackling the issues of violence against women. To curb water challenges in my community, I have formed one group of nine women who oversee issues of water. The group has so far mobilised resources to dig two water wells to ensure that women have easy access to clean drinking water.”

Shiellar is helping women to be self-sufficient and is working to build a movement against violence as issues of violence against women and girls, HIV and sexual health are discussed during the group meetings.

“I am glad to inform you that women in my community are now aware of their rights. Working together as women has promoted harmony and unity among women in my community. Women are now supporting each other in times of need.”

Double your impact

Will you join with women like Shiellar who are bringing change to their communities? A group of generous donors have offered to match all donations to this appeal, up to our target of £75,000. This means that your gift, and your impact, will be doubled at no additional cost to you.