Since IYWD came to Shamva Ward 13, young women have grown in confidence and leadership. They now take up roles at village, ward, and even political levels. Budgeting has become easier, and through capacity-building workshops, women are excelling as SDC and water point chairpersons, proudly shaping their communities.

Working with IYWD has been impactful for ZGC, making our work easier and more effective. Through collaborative Transformative Leadership Training with young girls and village heads, we strengthened capacity building, empowered communities, and complemented our mandate to promote gender equality, civic participation, and women’s leadership—even in politics.

I began working with IYWD in 2022 while still in high school, and it has positively shaped me mentally, economically, and emotionally. Through skills training, career guidance, and transformative leadership programs, I gained confidence, chose my career path, and embraced leadership roles. IYWD has truly been a blessing.

IYWD has truly transformed my life. Through the Transformative Leadership Trainings I attended, I gained the confidence and skills to step into leadership, and today I proudly serve as a village head in my community.

The Institute for Young Women has greatly empowered young women in our community. Through workshops held within and outside the district, they gained exposure, confidence, and a voice in decision-making at family and community levels. They now sensitize peers on sexual reproductive health, mobilize expecting mothers to use waiting shelters, and encourage life documentation. This empowerment has transformed their lives.