Latifa and pupils at a tailoring workshop
In Zimbabwe, as elsewhere in the developing world, disadvantaged women may have some choice over their lives and livelihoods if they can earn a living. They can hope to earn a living if they get at least a basic education. They can get a basic education if they can get to school. (One in four don’t). They can stay in school if they’re not married before they turn 18 years old (four out of ten girls are forced into marriage, and fifty percent of these girls become pregnant, before that age).
Shonglap is an initative funded by Norway’s Stromme Foundation. Like the Shingirirai Trust, it provides the following basic ‘power tools’ for young women: “Critical consciousness” (an awareness of their current situation, and how to better it); basic education; life skills; job skills; finally, a small business loan to set them up with their new skill, or enable them to buy an apprenticeship.
Latifa is a Shonglap graduate – her story is simple and inspirational. Like Beauty Makombe, she’s paying her way and helping her community. How about you? Heard or seen any initiatives that are brightening the future for the women of the world? Do share!
The Ripple Effect from Moniker Group on Vimeo.
