By HealthTimes Reporter
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, the Womandla Foundation is transforming the lives of adolescent girls through a powerful blend of mentorship, education, and empowerment. In partnership with the Graça Machel Trust’s Pan African Adolescent Girls Movement, Womandla is working toward an ambitious target — to reach 10,000 adolescent girls by 2026, keeping them in school and equipping them for the future.
At the core of this initiative are the Pasipemuti Talks, interactive sessions where girls engage on crucial topics such as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), leadership development, life skills, and mentorship. These sessions provide more than just information — they create safe spaces where girls can share their experiences, build confidence, and find their voice.
Our Pasipemuti Talks are designed to give girls the tools they need to make informed decisions and pursue their goals boldly,” said Dr. Tadiwanshe Matutu of Womandla Foundation. “It’s about giving them not just a voice, but a platform to shape their own futures.”
Beyond the talks, the Foundation is also establishing “Nests” — secure, girl-friendly spaces that encourage peer support and personal development. These community-based initiatives are complemented by partnerships with local schools, community leaders, and healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to adolescent well-being.
In April 2025, Womandla successfully rolled out a new curriculum at Errymaple High School, reaching over 100 girls. According to Dr. Matutu, “The curriculum will be rolled out to other schools, and we are aiming to reach more than 1,000 girls by July this year.”
Through these targeted efforts, the Womandla Foundation is not only uplifting individual girls but also strengthening communities and reshaping the narrative around girls’ empowerment in Zimbabwe.
