Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zimbabwe

19/03/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Following our Alumni Reception, that brought together alumni across all FES Zimbabwe programs, we are excited to keep sharing the voices of our incredible alumni.

This week, meet Mazvita Shadaya, a Climate Change School Alumni and hear her reflections on the future of multilaterism and democracy.

18/03/2026

Centering Women in Peacebuilding!

Peace is more than the absence of weapons, and in many places it still feels far away. Violent extremism, civil conflicts, and instability continue to cause suffering and displacement. Women and marginalized groups are often the most affected, not only by violence itself, but also through economic disruption and exclusion from peace processes.

Misikir meaning “witness” in Amharic and tells the stories of women affected by the conflicts that began in November 2020 in Tigray and later spread to Amhara and Afar in northern Ethiopia, as well as ongoing intercommunal violence in Oromia. Through real-life experiences, the film shows the many ways conflict has shaped women’s lives, from loss and displacement to economic hardship, while also highlighting their resilience and agency.

In the context of International Women’s Day 2026 and the theme “Give to gain,” Misikir reminds us that when women’s voices and experiences are centred, societies gain truth, understanding, and momentum for change. Witnessing these stories is not passive, it is a step toward building more just and inclusive societies.

Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwBnIiQaljQ&t=1s

17/03/2026

Breaking the Silence on Violence Against Women!

In On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, director Rungano Nyoni tells the story of Shula, who returns home after the sudden death of her uncle. As funeral rituals unfold, hidden family truths begin to surface, revealing years of silence around complicity and generational trauma, particularly in relation to the experiences of women and girls.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl highlights the problem of sexual abuse and the culture of silence that often protects perpetrators within families and communities. The film shows how social norms can force women and girls to stay silent to protect family reputations.

For International Women’s Day 2026, the film is part of the “Give to Gain – and Popcorn!” series by the FES Gender Justice Competence Centre. The film reminds us that speaking difficult truths can lead to transformation. When women’s voices are heard and communities choose accountability, we can build a safer and a more just society.

Watch the trailer here:

When Shula returns home to Zambia and finds her uncle's dead body on the roadside by a brothel, the last thing she wants is to mourn him. But as her aunties ...

16/03/2026

Building Bridges for More Inclusive Policy-Making!

Informal trade is a cornerstone of Gweru’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands and sustaining households and communities across the country.

Yet despite their critical contribution, informal traders often lack the tools, platforms, and institutional access needed to effectively voice their concerns and influence local economic policy. This results in their under-representation in economic planning.

In order to bridge this gap, the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation with the support of FES Zimbabwe held a Gweru Informal Economy Working Group (GIEWG) Capacity Strengthening and Policy Dialogue Workshop. The workshop created a collaborative space for learning and strategy development for actionable solutions to challenges affecting informal traders.

13/03/2026

Building a More Just World!

Gender justice remains one of the biggest challenges of our time. Women’s political participation is often pushed aside, while care work is romanticized in ways that limit women’s agency and reinforce unequal power structures. At the same time, intersectional feminism is increasingly questioned and sometimes portrayed as foreign or against local traditions.

Real change requires more than words. Women must be able to fully exercise their rights and take part in political and social decision-making.

Under the umbrella of International Women’s Day 2026, the FES Gender Justice Competence Centre, Sub-Saharan Africa, presents “Give to Gain – and Popcorn!”, a series of Afrofeminist films and documentaries.

The films explore issues such as undervalued care work, unequal access to public goods, and legal gaps that deepen inequalities in the informal economy, prisons, households, and communities.

“Give to Gain” reminds us that when women’s voices and leadership are recognized, everyone benefits, through stronger democracies, safer communities, and more inclusive development.

11/03/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Following our Alumni Reception, that brought together alumni across all FES Zimbabwe programs, we are excited to keep sharing the voices of our incredible alumni.

This week, meet Nqobizitha Mlambo, a Youth Leadership Training Program Alumni and hear his reflections on the future of multilaterism and democracy.

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today we join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, a day rooted in the early 20th century struggles of women demanding fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to vote.

This day honours the gains made by women globally, while recognizing the persistent inequalities that continue to shape our societies.

This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and all girls,” reminds us that progress requires more than recognition, it requires structural change, and the need to renew our collective commitment to advancing gender justice.

05/03/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Following our Alumni Reception, that brought together alumni across all FES Zimbabwe programs, we are excited to keep sharing the voices of our incredible alumni.

Today, meet Linda Tsungirirai Masarira a Youth Leadership Training Program Alumni and her reflections on the future of multilaterism and democracy.

02/03/2026

Advancing Gender Justice in the Informal Economy!

Women make up the majority of workers in Zimbabwe’s informal economy. However, they remain concentrated in less lucrative trades, operate without adequate infrastructure, and face persistent safety risks and multiple forms of violence.

In order to address this, the Feminist Reflection and Action Group, supported by the Anglican Development and Relief in Zimbabwe, Christian Aid, Zimbabwe and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zimbabwe produced a reflective essay, which was co-authored by Thando Gwinji and Dr. Ireen Mudeka entitled “Feminism and the Informal Sector: Exploring Ways to Promote Gender Equity in the Informal Economy in Zimbabwe.”

Read more here:

Publikationen der Stiftung. Mudeka, Ireen; Gwinji, Thando: Feminism and the informal sector : Exploring ways to promote gender equity in Zimbabwe's informal economy. Maputo : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, November 2025

26/02/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Following our Alumni Reception, that brought together alumni across all FES Zimbabwe programs, we are excited to keep sharing the voices of our incredible alumni.

Today, meet Conrad Munyaradzi Gweru, a Youth Leadership Training Program Alumni and his reflections on the future of multilaterism and democracy.

23/02/2026

Alumni Spotlight!

Following our Alumni Reception, that brought together alumni across all FES Zimbabwe programs, we are excited to keep sharing the voices of our incredible alumni.

Today, meet Natalie Majangove, a Youth Leadership Training Program/Masterclass for Women in Politics Alumni and her reflections on the future of multilaterism and democracy.

20/02/2026

Happy World Day of Social Justice!

Today, we join the global community in reaffirming our commitment to building societies that are more equitable, inclusive, and just.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” reminds us that true justice requires power, resources and opportunities being distributed fairly.