My partner and family controlled all finances, leaving me dependent and vulnerable. Joining the Pamumvuri Forum opened doors I never imagined possible
Four years after the Securing Rights Programme II (PGII) ended, the young women of Ture Ward's Simbamaoko Pamumvuri Forum in Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe remain a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and sustainability. Before the project began, they were among the most marginalised in their community. They were economically inactive, financially dependent on household incomes and could be subject to various forms of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly economic violence. With limited opportunities to make their own money, many felt silenced and powerless within their homes and communities. Their lives revolved around day-to-day survival.
After starting in 2017 as a group of 20, the Pamumvuri Forum has since evolved into a resilient core of four vibrant members: Nommatter Ncube, Chipo Musekiwa, Siko Ndlovu, and Siqobile Manda. Along with partner organisation, Bethany Project, Oxfam introduced Pamumvuri forums, which are safe spaces for girls and young women who are survivors of GBV. They gather together, share experiences and discuss issues of gender equality, GBV, women’s economic empowerment and leadership. More importantly, they were equipped with practical skills such as Income Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALs), detergent making, baking, poultry farming and business management. Learning these skills gave them confidence, independence, and built a sense of solidarity. To ensure the benefits of the project didn’t stop when it ended, the Bethany Project connected the women with relevant ministries, government departments, and other organisations.
The Pamumvuri Forum members set up registered companies and assumed leadership roles across community, church, and other spaces. These types of leadership roles would have been unimaginable before the programme.
Siko Ndlovu, founder of Siko Ndlo Investments and Secretary of the Women’s Fellowship in her church:
“Before this programme, I struggled daily with feelings of helplessness. I had no income, no voice, and no respect even within my own family. Starting my detergent company was not just about earning an income, it was about reclaiming my dignity. Today, as Secretary of my church’s Women’s Fellowship, I am proud to speak out against gender-based violence and inspire other women to do the same. This forum gave me the education, courage, and network to transform my life and those of others.”
Chipo Musekiwa, who set up Clean Cee and leads the Zvishavane Chapter of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, while serving within the district leadership of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network:
“I used to think that as a young woman in a rural area, my dreams would end with marriage or motherhood. The Pamumvuri Forum transformed this mindset. Learning business skills and accessing Internal Savings and Lending groups (ISALs) enabled me to build my own enterprise and take leadership roles in education governance. I now advocate for girls’ rights to education and safety because I know firsthand how important these are to breaking cycles of poverty and early marriage. What truly made this experience impactful was the sisterhood we built. Together, we overcame shame, stigma, and fear. We supported one another through challenges, whether personal or societal. This collective strength is our greatest asset; it lifts us individually and empowers us as a community force for good.”
Collectively, the group also established a vibrant catering services company that provides professional catering for weddings, parties, and community events across Zvishavane. They now contribute to the household earnings.
Their story is one of solidarity, courage, and lasting impact- a legacy that continues to inspire other young women, strengthen households, and transform communities. It demonstrates that investing in young women’s empowerment is not only transformative for individuals but catalytic for entire communities, creating ripples of change that endure far beyond donor cycles.
About the project
The PGII programme delivered on three core objectives: 1. greater economic empowerment for women and youth, 2. greater gender equality and 3. increasing access to essential services through holding duty bearers to account.
In Zimbabwe, PGII partner Bethany built the business marketing skills of 73 girls and young women involved in Pamumvuri collectives and introduced them to retail and business communities.
