Empower 100 SHEpreneurs in Rural Zimbabwe...

There is a strong correlation between lack of economic opportunities and the prevalence of gender based violence. In the interations with the SHEpreneurs through the economic empowerment initiatives, Talia Women's Network realised that many of these vulnerable women were victims of gender based violence and in particular intimate partner violence. The women felt trapped in their circumstances as they did not know how to react to the violence and even where to report the cases. Culturally, families have always resorted to settling disputes internally through use of family elders such as elderly aunts and uncles. In most of these situations, the husband is the breadwinner while the women depent totally on their husbands for provision of food, shelter, clothing and school fees in the home. In cases where violence then happens, the women choose to stay and choose to keep quiet for fear of losing the financial support.

This year, the SHEpreneurs commemorated the 16 Days of Activism through various community campaigns to raise awareness on gender based violence. Various activities, including Theatre of the Oppressed were used to communicate messages of empowering women and girls to stand united against gender based violence. Officers from the Victim Friendly Unit at the local police stations and partner organisations joined the campaign.

The SHEpreneurs demonstrated to the community that empowerment and economic independence allow women to gain a voice, enhances their mobility and empowers them with public presence. Empowerment leads to expansion of women's consciousness and capacity to transform their external world. This apporach has resulted in deeper social impact and sustainable community focused solutions.

'My Sister's Keeper' was also launched during the 16 Days of Activism campaign. This initaitve seeks to encourage community bonding and builds values of sisterhood among the women. These women will no longer remain silent when they see their sisters and neighbours suffering in abusive relationships. By declaring they are their sister's keeper, the women are sending bold messages in the community that they are commiting to watching out for each other, sharing experiences, sharing opportunities and protecting each other. This is in line with the Talia Women's Network mission which seeks to equip women and girls with life skills to harness economic and social opportunities, inspiring change and bringing transformation to their lives and their communities. Success for the SHEpreneurs is not to be attained individually but it is a shared accomplishment. As sisters, they succeed together and they prosper together.

Through this wholistic approach to women empowerment, Talia Women's Network believes they are rescuing women from the oppression of an intersectionality of patriarchy, religious fundamentalism and unfettered masculine power.