The situation for young women in Zimbabwe is difficult, to say the least, and unfortunately due to many reasons, there is minimal education offered to create awareness in communities nor support offered to the young women who are subjected to it or may fall victim. The psychosocial classes offered to young women to educate them on all subjects pertaining to their futures cost $1 per child, which means for all girls currently enrolled it is only $40 dollars a week to make a major difference today
Young women and girls in Zimbabwe are facing multiple challenges which include poor Menstrual Hygiene Management; inaccessibility of Sexual Reproductive Heath as well as sexual exploitation and abuse which later led to unwanted/ unplanned pregnancies; child marriages; prostitution; abortions; high risks of STIs, HIV and drug abuse. These situations are worsened in the less populated/ rural areas which is why this project seeks to engage community members and the young girls themselves.
The project aims to provide psychosocial support to adolescent girls and young women as well as increasing community awareness of PSEA reporting channels; Sexual reproductive health rights; Menstrual Hygiene Management through awareness campaign meetings; roadshows; skills training and outreach programmes. The project also aims to empower Community Representatives, Child Care Workers and Parents to protect, and monitor minors' safety during investigations, to prevent further sexual exploitation.
The long-term impact is major as we have seen projects such as this one have overwhelming and long-lasting effects on these young women. The psychosocial support and training that is offered to these girls currently have 40 participants and of these girls, all of them have stayed in school, stayed safe and remained at home without becoming victims of child marriages. This allows them to further their education and become independent contributors to their communities.
