Young women across Zimbabwe are leading transformative change in their communities, moving from passive observers to active decision-makers shaping policies and local development. Through community-level training programs, young women and women have gained the confidence, skills, and knowledge to influence governance and demand Gender-Responsive Social Services Delivery (GRSSD).

The impact was celebrated at the Local Government Learning and Exchange Lab (LGLEX), hosted by IYWD in Harare on July 18, 2025. Councilor Kasere of Mazowe Rural District Council (RDC) credited the programs with empowering young women to lead and advocate effectively. “Young women boosted confidence bit by bit until today we are celebrating the fruits,” he remarked. These fruits include policy changes, improved social services, and a shift towards inclusive governance in multiple RDCs and municipalities.

In Bindura, three women now occupy key decision-making positions as Town Clerk, Director of Finance, and Engineer, working alongside two female councilors and four male councilors. In Hwedza RDC, women have taken leadership roles in all water point committees, leading to the drilling of new boreholes and the rehabilitation of old ones. Tafadzwa Gwatidzo from Hwedza stated proudly, “We will not give up pushing for Gender Responsive Social Services Delivery since we remain the primary consumers.” The number of female Village Heads in Hwedza has risen from 10 to 28, highlighting growing recognition of women’s contributions to governance.

In Chaminuka RDC, young women initiated the construction of a primary school in Chipoli Farm because children were walking 10 kilometers daily to attend classes. Lucia Kasiiwa, one of the leaders, explained: “We have to walk with them to school every day. So, we decided to do our part as parents. We molded 50,000 bricks, and now we are appealing to the RDCs to take up from where we are.” This initiative demonstrates how IYWD’s programs combine confidence-building with practical leadership skills.

The LGLEX reinforced that IYWD’s influence is not confined to a single district. In Mazowe, Bindura, Hwedza, and Chaminuka, young women are actively pushing for policies that prioritize their needs, leading projects, and influencing local government decisions. As Councilor Kasere emphasized, “Young women are no longer silenced; they are decision-makers.” IYWD’s work, grounded in its strategic pillar of movement building and transformative leadership, is proving that when women are equipped with skills and knowledge, they can drive sustainable change. Through platforms like LGLEX, IYWD is not only transforming individual lives but also creating a ripple effect across Zimbabwe’s rural districts, inspiring a new generation of gender-responsive leaders.