A group of adolescent and young women in Gwanda Rural have been supported to remain in education and make informed life choices through a community-based empowerment initiative led by CYDT. The initiative, implemented from January to June 2024, established “Young Women Girl Power Clubs” across rural communities to address challenges related to early marriage pressures, poverty, and limited access to information on rights and life options.
Before the intervention, some young women in the area faced pressure from families and community structures to enter early marriage or leave education pathways due to financial hardship and traditional expectations. Among those affected were 18-year-old Tinashe, a high-performing young woman who aspired to become a teacher, and her peer Thandiwe. Both experienced pressure that threatened to disrupt their education and future plans.
To respond to these challenges, CYDT trained 25 young women leaders to facilitate community-based Girl Power Clubs focused on rights awareness, education retention, and protection from early marriage and related vulnerabilities. Through regular gatherings, CYDT mentors used storytelling, guided discussions, and information-sharing tools to strengthen understanding of legal protections and the importance of education and informed decision-making for young women.
The programme provided critical support when Tinashe faced pressure from her family regarding a proposed marriage arrangement. With guidance from the Girl Power Club network, she was able to confidently communicate her desire to continue her education and explain the information she had learned using the right channels. CYDT facilitators engaged with her family to provide clarity on legal protections for young women and the importance of supporting continued education. Following these engagements, her family agreed to support her education journey.
Tinashe reflected on the experience, saying:
“The Girl Power Club helped me understand my rights and gave me the confidence to speak about my future. I now feel more in control of my choices.”
Her peer Thandiwe shared a similar experience, noting how the programme strengthened her confidence to navigate family expectations and make informed decisions about her future. She said:
“Through the club, I learned that I have the right to make informed choices about my education and future. It helped me stand firm and focus on my goals.”
Community feedback indicated that these structured peer-led safe spaces played a key role in strengthening protection mechanisms for young women at risk of dropping out of education pathways or being pushed into early marriage arrangements. By June 2025, the Girl Power Clubs had supported at least 12 young women to remain on their education and life development pathways.
CYDT continues to expand these community-based safe spaces, ensuring that young women are equipped with knowledge, peer support, and access to information that strengthens their ability to make informed decisions and protect their futures.