02/07/2026
🔵 Today, FAWEZI, with support from UNICEF, commenced a two-day Reflective Dialogue for in-school and out-of-school adolescent girls in Chitungwiza District under the Resilient, Innovative, Skilled and Empowered (RISE) Adolescent Girls Project. Bringing together learners from all 20 RISE-supported schools in the district, out-of-school adolescent girls, and key government and community stakeholders, the dialogue is creating a safe and inclusive platform for girls to reflect, learn, and strengthen their leadership and participation.
Through interactive and participatory learning approaches, including a Girls' Reality Marketplace, storytelling sessions, trust-building exercises, group discussions, and practical leadership activities, participants are exploring issues affecting their lives while building confidence, advocacy skills, and meaningful youth participation. The sessions also focus on adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual health and hygiene (MHM), youth-friendly services, girls' education, and increasing girls' participation and retention in STEM.
The dialogue has brought together representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED), Chitungwiza City Health Department, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit (ZRP VFU), the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Department of Social Development, National Aids Council, educators, Community Care Workers, Community leaders and other stakeholders. Their participation reinforces a coordinated, multi-sectoral commitment to creating supportive environments where adolescent girls can thrive.
Over the two days, girls are strengthening their leadership, advocacy, communication, and decision-making skills while sharing lived experiences and identifying practical solutions to challenges affecting their education, health, and wellbeing. The reflective dialogue continues tomorrow as participants deepen their learning, strengthen peer networks, and amplify girls' voices in shaping positive change within their schools and communities.