Institute for Young Women Development

Institute for Young Women Development A space for the promotion of young women's rights: safeguarding their livelihoods and enhancing their participation.-together-we can

12/08/2026

A gender-responsive budget starts with women being part of the budgeting process.

A councillor from Zvimba, Mashonaland West, who participated in the Transformative Leadership Training, reflects on how she will take her learning on gender-responsive budgeting back to her community. She plans to mobilise women to participate in local authority budget consultations, ensuring that women’s priorities and needs are included in the issues submitted to council.

This is important because local authority budgets determine which services are prioritised and resourced in communities. Services such as water and sanitation, waste management, healthcare, roads have a direct impact on women and girls, particularly because women often carry a greater responsibility for care work and household wellbeing.

When women participate in budget consultations and make their priorities known, local authorities are better positioned to respond to the needs of women and girls and ensure that public resources contribute to more inclusive and equitable communities.

The Transformative Leadership Training was in partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. and with support from the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria

Happy International Youth Day 2026!At IYWD, we centre young women in this conversation. In Zimbabwe, young women, partic...
12/08/2026

Happy International Youth Day 2026!

At IYWD, we centre young women in this conversation. In Zimbabwe, young women, particularly those from rural and marginalised communities, continue to face barriers including limited access to education and decent work, economic inequality, digital exclusion, climate vulnerability, gender-based violence and limited opportunities to meaningfully participate in decision-making.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution, through Section 20, recognises young people aged 15-35 and provides for their participation in political, social and economic life, access to education and training, employment and economic empowerment. The African Youth Charter also recognises young people’s right to participate in decision-making, including equal opportunities for young women and young men.

For us, meaningful youth participation means more than having young people present. Young women must have the information, resources, platforms and power to influence decisions and shape the policies that affect their lives.

This International Youth Day, we call for greater investment in young women’s leadership, digital inclusion, climate resilience, entrepreneurship and advocacy, and for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, youth organisations and communities to create spaces where young women can lead, organise and make their voices heard.

Different contexts, common aspirations. Young women are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders, changemakers and agents of change today.



Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Yet Trust EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Hivos Regional Office Southern Africa Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.

Happy Heroes Day Zimbabwe!As IYWD, we honour the young women, women and men who contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation str...
10/08/2026

Happy Heroes Day Zimbabwe!

As IYWD, we honour the young women, women and men who contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and those who continue to carry forward the struggle for equality, justice and freedom. We are reminded that the liberation ethos must remain rooted in the democratic principles enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, including equality, gender equality, human rights and democratic participation.

For IYWD, honouring our S/Heroes means protecting democratic spaces where every Zimbabwean can participate, speak, organise and influence decisions that affect their lives. Our work to end structural violence and advance young women’s political, economic and ecological participation is part of carrying this unfinished liberation goal forward.

Zimbabwe Gender Commission EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Hivos Regional Office Southern Africa Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.Embassy of Sweden in Harare

07/08/2026

Honourable Minenhle Gumede, Member of Parliament for Bulawayo North Constituency, reflects on the importance of the Transformative Leadership Training held in Bulawayo, describing it as both timely and necessary for women councillors and aspiring women leaders as they strengthen their advocacy for the rights and priorities of women and girls within local government.

She also highlights the need to extend similar capacity strengthening opportunities to women Members of Parliament, noting that such training would strengthen their ability to meaningfully contribute to parliamentary processes and effectively champion the rights of women and girls.

The Transformative Leadership Training was implemented in partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. with support from the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria

From starting a business to creating opportunities for others, Mercy Meki's journey is a powerful example of the ripple ...
04/08/2026

From starting a business to creating opportunities for others, Mercy Meki's journey is a powerful example of the ripple effect of investing in young women's economic empowerment.

After participating in the S(H)E Matters III Initiative Transformative Leadership Training and business mentorship programme in partnership with Hivos Regional Office Southern Africa with support from Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria , Mercy gained the confidence and practical skills to launch a blanket-selling business with an initial investment of US$100. What began as a small enterprise has grown into a thriving business, with her profits increasing over time. Today, the business enables her to support her family, build savings, and work towards her dream of opening her own bedding shop.

Inspired to share the knowledge she gained, Mercy trained seven young women in entrepreneurship and business skills in Ward 2, Makonde District. The impact is already evident. Five participants are preparing to travel to Botswana to purchase stock for resale, one has started a perfume business, and another is earning an income as a hairdresser.

"The training changed how I see business. It gave me the confidence and practical skills to succeed, and I realised the best way to create lasting change is to share that knowledge with other young women," says Mercy.

Mercy's story demonstrates how investing in one young woman creates a multiplier effect. Through the S(H)E Matters III Initiative, young women are not only building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening their economic resilience, but are also empowering others to thrive, expanding women's economic opportunities and strengthening young women's leadership within their communities.


In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Me...
30/07/2026

In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. IYWD convened a Transformative Feminist Leadership Training for women councillors and aspiring women leaders from Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces. With support from the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria , participants strengthened their understanding of local government laws and procedures, transformative feminist leadership, advocacy, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, community engagement, safeguarding and disability inclusion.

Through participatory discussions, power analysis, role-plays and a practical budgeting exercise, participants examined the responsibilities of councillors in representation, oversight and law-making. They reflected on how patriarchal norms, unequal power relations and violence against women in leadership continue to restrict women’s participation and influence in local governance. The sessions encouraged women to embrace leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, collective care and the responsible use of power.

Feedback from participants demonstrated an increased understanding of local government processes and greater confidence in engaging communities, influencing council decisions and advocating for the priorities of women and girls. Participants also appreciated the practical and interactive nature of the training, which enabled them to connect the lessons to their lived realities and leadership experiences.

The training inspired participants to develop practical action plans focused on leadership growth, community visibility, mentorship, peer support, engagement with local authorities and evidence-based advocacy. A provincial WhatsApp platform was also established to strengthen solidarity, knowledge exchange, collective problem-solving and coordinated action among women leaders.

Together, these commitments represent an important step towards building a strong network of skilled, confident and connected women leaders who can challenge exclusion, advance gender-responsive planning and budgeting, strengthen accountability, and ensure that women and girls meaningfully shape local development and decision-making.



Women's Action Group-Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Election Support Network(ZESN) Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association Zimbabwe Gender Commission

In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe and in collaboration the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium E...
28/07/2026

In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe and in collaboration the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. we convened another Transformative Women's Leadership Training for women councillors and aspiring women leaders in Manicaland Province.

With support from the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria participants strengthened their understanding of local governance, council by-laws, gender-responsive budgeting, public finance, violence against women in politics, and the role of women in influencing accountable and inclusive local governance.

As a result of the training, participants are better equipped to engage in budget consultations, influence local development planning, hold local authorities accountable for transparent and responsive service delivery, and advocate for improved access to water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and other essential public services. They also strengthened their ability to prevent and respond to violence against women in politics, engage duty bearers, and mobilise young women and women to participate in governance processes.

Together, these efforts are strengthening women's leadership and advancing more transparent, accountable, and gender-responsive local governance. By investing in women's leadership, we are creating pathways for women to meaningfully influence decision-making, improve public service delivery, and build inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

Zimbabwe Women Lawyers AssociationZimbabwe Election Support Network(ZESN)Women's Action Group-Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Gender Commission

Now Out: HerStory Newsletter | June 2026 EditionWe are delighted to share the June 2026 edition of our HerStory Newslett...
27/07/2026

Now Out: HerStory Newsletter | June 2026 Edition

We are delighted to share the June 2026 edition of our HerStory Newsletter, showcasing the transformative leadership, advocacy, and collective action of young women and community-based organisations within the ACBOs network.

This edition highlights how young women are advancing gender-responsive social services, influencing local governance and accountability, strengthening economic resilience through entrepreneurship, and building safer, more inclusive communities across Zimbabwe. It also explores the power of feminist knowledge and organising in sustaining efforts to end violence against women and girls.

We invite you to read, reflect, and be inspired by these stories of leadership, resilience, and young women-led transformation, and to join us in supporting a more just, inclusive, and accountable society.

Read More https://www.linkedin.com/posts/herstory-newsletter-june-2026-edition-ugcPost-7487519974857801729-1ZOo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACip_xIBfTQyElGgQ2yabyZDj9bqn3Y3xbY

UNFPA Zimbabwe EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa African Women's Development Fund Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Zimbabwe Gender Commission UK in Zimbabwe Green Governance Zw

In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Me...
27/07/2026

In partnership with UN Women Zimbabwe, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. , IYWD convened a Transformative Women's Leadership Training for women councillors and aspiring women leaders in Mashonaland East. With support from the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria , participants strengthened their understanding of local governance, advocacy, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, community participation, and the critical role of women in influencing decision-making at the local level.

The training equipped participants with practical knowledge on the functions of local authorities, the by-law making process, and strategies for advancing women's meaningful participation in governance. Through interactive discussions, women leaders reflected on barriers that continue to limit their participation, including exclusion from high-level decision-making spaces, harmful gender stereotypes, and unequal power relations and explored practical ways to overcome these challenges.

The training also inspired action. Women councillors committed to mobilising communities to participate in budget consultations, championing gender-responsive budgeting, strengthening collaboration with community structures from the VIDCO level, advocating for improved service delivery, standing confidently in council decision-making spaces, and ensuring that the voices and priorities of women and girls are reflected in local development planning.

Together, these commitments represent another important step towards strengthening women's leadership, promoting inclusive governance, and building communities where women actively shape the decisions that affect their lives.


Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association Zimbabwe Gender Commission Zimbabwe Election Support Network(ZESN) Women's Action Group-Zimbabwe

At IYWD, wellness is not an afterthought, it is a priority. We believe that creating spaces where young women can conne...
22/07/2026


At IYWD, wellness is not an afterthought, it is a priority. We believe that creating spaces where young women can connect, share, listen, laugh, dance, reflect, and simply be themselves is just as important as the work we do. Whether through music, wellness check-ins, storytelling, or collective conversations during our activities, we recognise that healing and wellbeing are essential to sustaining feminist movements.

Feminist collective care reminds us that we do not have to carry life's burdens alone. It is a shared commitment to care for one another's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It challenges the idea that we must always push through exhaustion and instead encourages communities to rest together, support one another, share resources, and create safe spaces where everyone can thrive.

When we check in on one another, listen without judgement, offer practical support, or simply ask, "How are you really doing?", we are practising feminist collective care. These everyday acts strengthen our communities and remind us that caring for one another is a powerful act of solidarity and resistance.

This Wellness Wednesday, let's commit to looking out for one another. Reach out to a friend, check in on a neighbour, create a safe space for someone to share, offer support where you can, and remember that no one should have to face life's challenges alone.


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