The Forum for African Women Educationalists national chapter in Zimbabwe—FAWE Zimbabwe—with support from the Mastercard Foundation, convened a dynamic Young Women’s Convening bringing together students from Harare Polytechnic and Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College.
The convening created a vibrant and inclusive platform for dialogue, leadership development, and advocacy within tertiary and technical education spaces—empowering young women to actively shape their educational experiences and future opportunities.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including FAWEZI Executive Committee Chairperson Prof. R. Gora, Vice Secretary Mrs. C. Dimingu, FAWEZI members, alumni, the FAWEZI Secretariat, and students. It also engaged key institutional actors such as representatives from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Zimbabwe, Tertiary Education Service Council Zimbabwe, National AIDS Council Zimbabwe, and Youth Aspire Development Trust.
Through open and participatory discussions, participants explored critical issues affecting young women in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and tertiary education.
The dialogue focused on the need to strengthen safe and inclusive learning environments while expanding leadership opportunities for young women. Participants shared experiences, identified barriers, and proposed solutions to enhance participation, well-being, and success within education institutions.
Key themes included:
- Promoting safe, gender-responsive learning spaces
- Addressing challenges related to health, well-being, and social inclusion
- Strengthening leadership pathways for young women in education and beyond
- Enhancing collaboration between institutions, government, and civil society
A central outcome of the convening was the reaffirmation of the importance of platforms that amplify the voices of young women. By creating spaces for dialogue and engagement, FAWEZI is empowering students to become active contributors to decision-making processes that affect their education and future.
These platforms not only build confidence and leadership skills but also foster a sense of ownership and agency among young women.
The convening also highlighted the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing inclusive and opportunity-rich tertiary education systems. Collaboration between government institutions, educational bodies, civil society organizations, and development partners is essential to addressing systemic challenges and scaling impact.
As FAWEZI continues to champion gender equality in education, the Young Women’s Convening stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, collaboration, and youth leadership.
Through such initiatives, FAWE reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that young women are not only beneficiaries of education systems, but also leaders, advocates, and change-makers shaping the future of Africa.