Self Help Development Foundation Zimbabwe

On Tuesday, 13th January 2026, SHDF participated in a crucial strategic dialogue focused on advancing gender equality and strengthening the women's movement in Zimbabwe. The event was graced by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, and Ms. Loveness Makonese, UN Women Deputy Country Representative.
• Situational Analysis: The event provided a detailed analysis of the current gender equality advocacy landscape in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives, especially from rural women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Funding Challenges: A major concern raised was the sharp decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA), with cuts up to 30%, threatening vital services for women, including GBV shelters and legal aid. This underfunding is a rollback of decades of progress in women’s rights.
• Resilient Financial Models: The call for a shift from short-term, "hand-to-mouth" project cycles to more resilient financial strategies was emphasized. This includes leveraging private sector partnerships, engaging the diaspora, and promoting social entrepreneurship.
• Radical Collaboration: Advocating for a united approach, pooling resources as a collective movement instead of competing for diminishing funds, was highlighted as essential for survival and growth.
• Core Advocacy: The need for flexible, multi-year funding was stressed to ensure that organizations can withstand global shocks while continuing their long-term missions.
SHDF is committed to collaborating with our partners and advocates to build a robust, unified movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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