In the heart of Mbare, Zimbabwe, a neighborhood where youth are often swayed by the struggles of drug abuse and financial instability, Nyasha Grace Manzou is creating waves of change, one initiative at a time. A woman in her 20s, Nyasha has become a beacon of hope and resilience for the youth, especially for girls who often feel overlooked and undervalued.
Nyasha is a force to be reckoned within Zimbabwe’s creative and empowerment sectors. Born with a deep-rooted sense of purpose, she has channeled her personal challenges into impactful work, driven by the belief that leadership is built through action, consistency, and empathy.
A passionate student, a multi-award winner, and an advocate for girls’ empowerment, Nyasha’s journey hasn’t always been easy. She has faced bullying, stigma, and countless challenges in a society where young women often struggle to make their voices heard. But Nyasha has proven that perseverance can break through any barrier.
The Birth of Bright Girls Movement
It all started when Nyasha, then just a teenager in Form Three, saw a need in her community and acted upon it. This led to the birth of the Bright Girls Movement, a remarkable initiative that has now flourished into its fifth year. Nyasha’s mission was clear from the start – to instill confidence and courage in the girl child while breaking down the barriers that often hold young people back from realizing their potential. “I wanted to create something that would empower both the girl and the boy child, so I started the Bright Girls Movement,” Nyasha explains with determination in her voice.
The Movement’s work in Mbare is grounded in a simple, yet powerful goal: to provide both practical resources and emotional support to those who need it most. Through Bright Girls Movement, Nyasha provides basic needs, runs masterclasses, and offers online sessions to instill life skills in her community. She recognizes that financial independence is one of the most critical skills young people need, and as such, she has worked tirelessly to bring experts in various fields to teach financial literacy, public speaking, and even self-confidence. “Our goal is to equip young people with the tools they need to become financially stable and emotionally resilient,” she shares.
One of the defining aspects of the Movement’s work is the accessibility of their programs. Nyasha emphasizes that her organization does everything in its power to ensure the youth can take part without financial barriers. While most programs are free, a small fee might be charged to help fund future projects. “Sometimes, it’s just two dollars for a certificate or five dollars to help us keep things running. But the real goal is to make sure everyone who wants to learn has the chance to do so,” she affirms.
A significant part of Nyasha’s work involves tackling the persistent issue of drug and substance abuse, which is particularly prevalent in Mbare. Many youths in the area struggle with finding purpose, often turning to substances as an escape. Nyasha’s mission, however, is to fill this gap with opportunities for personal and professional growth. “We bring in different experts to share their stories. They teach the young people how to handle themselves and be confident. We want them to realize they can do so much more than what they think they can,” she says.
However, Nyasha’s journey has not been without challenges. The path to empowering others is often riddled with obstacles, and for Nyasha, one of the most difficult has been securing funding. “Funding is always a challenge,” she admits. “It’s not easy to find, and sometimes people take your ideas and run with them.” Despite these setbacks, Nyasha has remained unwavering in her commitment to her purpose. “I don’t give up easily. I know that this is my God-given purpose. No matter how many times I am knocked down, I keep going. I’ve learned to keep my ideas closer to my chest and stay consistent,” she confides.
The Launch of My Period Period Talk Show
But Nyasha’s work extends beyond the Bright Girls Movement. In 2023, she launched the My Period Period Talk Show, a platform dedicated to discussing menstruation openly, something that many consider taboo. Nyasha, who herself was bullied for suffering from menstrual disorders, felt an overwhelming need to create a space where girls could talk about menstruation without shame. “I was bullied for my menstrual disorders, and I realized that there was a need to debunk the myths and stigma surrounding menstruation. It’s a natural process, not something to be ashamed of,” she reflects.
Since its inception, My Period Period Talk Show has gained a following of over 500 participants from across the globe. From Zambia to the UK, women and girls join the conversation, exchanging stories and support. “Some of them are in Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe as well as Nigeria and others are in the western countries like Australia and UK as well,” she shares. But despite the show’s growing popularity, Nyasha still faces difficulties in terms of funding and resistance to openly discussing menstruation. “The stigma is still there, but we’re breaking down those walls, one conversation at a time,” she says with a quiet determination.
Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of Nyasha’s work is her current project to launch a pad hub in Mbare, where girls can access sanitary products for free. This initiative seeks to address the financial barriers many girls face when it comes to menstrual hygiene. “We’re working to make sure no girl has to miss school or feel embarrassed because she doesn’t have access to sanitary wear. We’re setting up a system where girls can register and collect pads monthly,” Nyasha explains. It is a project that aims to take away the shame and stigma associated with menstruation and provide tangible support to young girls.
With a team of five to seven dedicated women supporting her efforts, Nyasha continues to push forward with her initiatives. “I have a small but powerful team, and we work together to make sure we keep moving forward. My family is also very supportive, and their encouragement means the world to me,” she shares. But even with a solid support network, Nyasha’s journey is far from easy. “You have to keep going, even when you’re not getting the results you want immediately. Keep going, keep trusting, and turn your pain into purpose,” she advises.
The Achievements and Recognition
As a writer and robotics enthusiast, Nyasha is also preparing to launch two books: one focusing on preparatory to menopause and the other sharing experiences related to the menstrual journey. “There’s so much to be learned about menstruation, and I want to help girls feel more confident and informed,” she says.
Nyasha’s achievements are not just measured by the work she’s doing in Mbare or the success of her talk show. She’s also been recognized with several awards, including the Girl Child Empowerment Award from Ignite Youth Organization, and a second-place award at the Model United Nations for her SDG 18 proposal. She was also named a finalist for the 2025 Dorset Women’s Community Awards under the Youthful Women Impact category.
These accolades serve as a reflection of the far-reaching impact Nyasha is making, but for her, the work is never about the recognition. “Leaders are readers, and leaders are born to make a difference,” she states, emphasizing the importance of constant learning and growth.
Her work with Bright Girls Movement, the My Period Period Talk Show, and her numerous educational initiatives are just the beginning. Nyasha has big plans for the future, including expanding Bright Girls Movement into Liberia and Zambia. She’s determined to reach as many young people as possible, empowering them with the tools they need to become confident, financially stable, and able to break free from the limitations society often places on them.
Nyasha’s story is one of resilience, determination, and, above all, the power of purpose. Through her initiatives, she is transforming the lives of countless young people and proving that with the right tools, every person has the potential to lead and inspire.
