In Zimbabwe, where gender-based violence, child marriages, and educational barriers continue to limit young girls’ potential, one woman stands at the forefront of change. Ekenia T. Chifamba, a development practitioner, social worker, and multi-award-winning leader, has dedicated her life to empowering girls through Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS), a transformative organization she founded to address systemic injustices.
Ekenia’s journey into advocacy was deeply personal. She witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty, abuse, and societal norms that confined girls to lives of oppression.
“I realized that true change could only happen if girls were empowered to become agents of their own transformation,” she says.
This belief became the foundation of SYS, which has since become a beacon of hope for marginalized girls across Zimbabwe. She is architecting a future where “every girl has the power to reach her full potential.”
Fighting Gender-Based Violence and Child Marriages
Gender-based violence remains a persistent issue in Zimbabwe, with thousands of girls subjected to abuse and early marriages due to economic hardship. These are not abstract statistics, but lived realities, where economic desperation forces young girls into marriages and abuse leaves them with little recourse.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major issue, affecting thousands of girls worldwide,” Ekenia notes.
Through SYS, Ekenia has led multiple interventions, including the establishment of One-Stop Empowerment Centres such as Dandaro Revasikana, which provide survivors with legal aid, counseling, medical assistance, and economic empowerment programs.
“Girls in Zimbabwe face numerous challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriages, school dropouts, poverty, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services,” Ekenia reveals.
The Dandaro Revasikana safe spaces and Dare Revarume Male Engagement initiatives have also played a crucial role in shifting community perceptions. “We cannot address gender inequality without engaging men and boys,” Ekenia emphasizes. These programs educate males on the importance of gender equality and challenge harmful societal norms.
SYS also involves stakeholders through Community Development Committees and Men as Role Models programs, fostering a collaborative environment where girls are continuously supported.
Additionally, SYS engages policymakers to push for stronger child protection laws and works with traditional and religious leaders to combat early marriages. “Policies must be strengthened to end child marriages, improve access to education, and provide better protection for survivors of abuse,” Ekenia insists.
However, her vision extends beyond immediate interventions. “To fully empower girls, society must challenge harmful gender norms, discriminatory laws, and cultural practices that restrict their potential.” This is a call for a fundamental societal shift, a demand for policy changes that end child marriages and protect survivors of abuse.
Education as the Key to Gender Equality
Recognizing that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and gender oppression, SYS actively fights for girls’ access to schooling. Many girls in marginalized communities drop out due to financial struggles, abuse, or forced marriages. Through scholarships, skills training, and Child Rights Clubs, SYS ensures that girls remain in school and receive the support they need to succeed.
“We are not just helping girls stay in school—we are equipping them with leadership and advocacy skills,” Ekenia explains.
Crucially, education is positioned as a powerful tool for liberation. “Education is one of the most powerful tools for achieving gender equality,” She says.
Building Future Leaders Through Mentorship
Ekenia understands the power of role models in shaping young minds. Without visible examples of strong women, many girls struggle to envision a future beyond societal expectations. To bridge this gap, SYS cultivates leadership and self-confidence through mentorship programs, the National Girls’ Jury and Women as Role Models (WARM) initiative, connecting young girls with accomplished female leaders who guide them in personal development and advocacy.
“These programs connect girls with female leaders who guide them in personal development and advocacy. Additionally, SYS hosts leadership workshops and empowerment clubs, equipping girls with the confidence to take up leadership roles in their schools, communities, and beyond,” she reflects
The leadership hub and Girls Rights Coalition are also set to expand, ensuring that young women have structured pathways to become future leaders. “We are raising a generation of girls who will not just demand their rights but create sustainable solutions for their communities,” Ekenia asserts.
In a society where societal limitations often cast a long shadow, Ekenia understands the transformative power of visible examples. In essence, these are not just programs but conduits of hope.
Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
The trauma that many girls experience—from abuse to societal discrimination—often leads to deep emotional scars. SYS prioritizes mental health through psychosocial support services, counseling, and mentorship programs. The Dandaro Revasikana initiative offers a safe space where girls can discuss their struggles and receive guidance.
“The Dandaro Revasikana initiative offers a safe space where girls can discuss personal struggles and receive emotional support. Workshops on self-esteem, leadership, and life skills further equip them with resilience and confidence. By integrating digital platforms, peer support groups, and community dialogues, SYS ensures that mental health is prioritized in every aspect of girls’ empowerment,” says Ekenia.
Additionally, SYS integrates digital platforms, peer support groups, and community dialogues to ensure mental health remains a central focus of empowerment. “Emotional resilience is just as important as financial independence. Girls need to heal before they can fully embrace their potential,” she notes.
Economic Empowerment: Breaking Cycles of Dependency
To ensure long-term impact, SYS is spearheading economic empowerment initiatives that equip girls and young women with entrepreneurial skills. The Tariro Yedu and Mhoro Shamwari One-Stop Empowerment Centres provide skills training in renewable energy and climate entrepreneurship, offering young women opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The inclusion of climate change and renewable energy-focused economic programs aligns with SYS’s vision for a future where girls are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to global challenges. “We want to create economic opportunities that are sustainable and forward-thinking,” Ekenia says.
The impact is tangible, evidenced by the powerful success stories that emerge from SYS’s work. “One notable achievement is the impact of the National Girls’ Jury and Child Rights Clubs, where girls have become vocal advocates for policy changes at a local, national, regional and international level.” Moreover, the Halfway House for Teen Mothers and the Tariro Yedu One-Stop Empowerment Centre have enabled countless young women to reclaim their lives.
A Future Where Girls Lead the Change
Looking ahead, Ekenia envisions a Zimbabwe where girls are no longer seen as victims but as powerful changemakers. Over the next decade, SYS plans to expand its reach beyond Zimbabwe, influencing gender advocacy efforts across Africa and on international platforms. She envisions a future where girls lead their own development, free from violence and discrimination.
Through strengthened policy advocacy, enhanced digital engagement, and increased community involvement, SYS aims to dismantle the barriers holding girls back. “Mwana ndewemunhu wese—every child belongs to all of us. It is our collective responsibility to uplift and protect them,” Ekenia concludes.
In a world where gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, Ekenia Chifamba and Shamwari Yemwanasikana are proving that change is possible—one empowered girl at a time.
