For Shumirai, founder of Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust, this mission began in childhood, travelling with her father to their rural home, where she befriended bright, hardworking girls whose potential outstripped their opportunities. Poverty kept many from finishing school, and their stories never left her. In 2020, that memory became Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust — a name that means “Rise Up,” reflecting her belief that every girl deserves the chance to reach her full potential.
Inuka’s core work is comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, delivered on the principle that no one is left behind. Partnering with government departments and communities, the team dispels myths around menstruation and builds understanding among girls, boys, parents, and traditional leaders.
Inclusion runs deeper still: Inuka distributes sanitary products and accessible resources including audio Bibles, to people with disabilities, and hosts inclusive community dialogues alongside like-minded organisations. Through a Southern Africa consortium, the team also engages young men as active allies in reproductive health advocacy, extending its reach further through digital campaigns and radio programmes.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
After years of unsuccessful applications, Inuka was finally accepted into a highly competitive capacity-strengthening programme, a proud moment that reinforced a simple lesson: perseverance pays off, and past setbacks were preparation, not failure.
Facing the Barriers Head-On
Women and girls in Inuka’s communities still face limited access to health information, menstrual stigma, gender inequality, poverty, and the exclusion of people with disabilities from services and decision-making. Inuka responds through community-driven programmes with government departments, schools, and traditional leaders, challenging harmful myths and ensuring equal access for women and girls with disabilities.
The Power of Partnership
Collaboration sits at the heart of Inuka’s work, especially through AFWAG. As AFWAG’s Country Level Advisor for Zimbabwe, Shumirai has helped strengthen ties among women-led organisations, an effort recognised with AFWAG’s Collaboration Catalyst Award. Through AFWAG, the team also gained training on Zimbabwe’s PVO Act and stronger governance practices.
Other partnerships extend Inuka’s impact:
- Mckingtorch Zimbabwe — skills training in waste management, recycling, and green entrepreneurship
- YALI — mentorship and career guidance for young people in schools
- JCI Metro — supporting the TOSE Respite Centre for people with severe disabilities since 2024
What’s Next
Inuka is focused on scaling up: reaching more communities with economic empowerment, leadership, and health education programmes, while strengthening organisational capacity and partnerships. Inclusion remains central; expanding support for women and girls with disabilities and deepening engagement with men and boys as allies for gender equality. The vision: a Zimbabwe where every woman and girl, regardless of background or ability, has the confidence and opportunity to thrive.
A Message to Fellow Changemakers
Shumirai’s advice to fellow AFWAG members: never underestimate the power of collaboration, perseverance, and community-led action. Each organisation brings unique strengths, and by supporting one another, they can achieve far more together than alone, building stronger, more inclusive communities across Africa.
