THE WOMEN ADVOCACY PROJECT (WAP)

Who we are:

The Women Advocacy Project ( https://wapzimbabweorg.wordpress.com/about/ ) is a registered non-governmental, not-for-profit making organization for women's empowerment formed in 2012 by a group of dedicated women from diverse communities in Harare. WAP was established after the realization of inadequate attention given to the issues that are affecting women and girls. The organization is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalized women and girls in communities through holding advocacy campaigns and lobbying for the right of the voiceless. WAP also seeks to promote women's socio-economic rights through the implementation of socio-economic empowerment projects.

Our Vision:

WAP has a vision of a society without child marriage in which girls and women have the same status as boys and men and can develop their full potential in all areas of their lives. We aim for a society where women and girls recognize, improve and maximize their social, cultural, economic, and political potential as Zimbabweans.

Our Mission:

WAP’s mission is to abolish child marriage, promote women's and girls' rights, and work toward women’s economic empowerment. WAP uses advocacy to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized women and girls.

The organisation is dedicated to empowering women and girls in Harare and Zimbabwe, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Our main goal is to address the interconnected issues of poverty, child marriage, and gender-based violence, which have a profound impact on the mental well-being of young women, girls, and their families in Zimbabwe-https://www.facebook.com/100064859253822/videos/380248293132608/.

By tackling poverty, WAP aims to reduce the economic vulnerability that drives child marriage, allowing girls to pursue education and personal development. Simultaneously, WAP's empowerment programs enable women and girls to recognize their rights and worth, Develop confidence and self-esteem, Build resilience against gender-based violence and abuse, and Speak out against injustices and advocate for change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw6k7zz32JU&t=25s

This holistic approach acknowledges the complex relationships between economic empowerment, education, and gender equality. By addressing these interconnected issues, WAP has been working towards a comprehensive solution that promotes the overall well-being of young women, girls, and families in Zimbabwe.

The mental health aspect is crucial, as the trauma and stress caused by poverty, child marriage, and gender-based violence can have long-lasting effects. WAP's work is not only about economic empowerment but also about healing, recovery, and promoting mental well-being.

In the face of Zimbabwe's protracted economic crisis and staggering unemployment rate, the Women Advocacy Project (WAP) has been steadfast in its mission to combating poverty and its corrosive effects on young women and girls in Chitungwiza, Epworth, Eyre-court, and Waterfalls townships of Harare. Zimbabwe's entrenched patriarchal culture has long marginalized women's rights, perpetuating a legacy of disempowerment. Deep-rooted customs and practices continue to undermine gender equality, including child and early marriages, virginity testing, child betrothal, appeasement of avenging spirits, and dowry price payments.

These harmful practices disproportionately affect girls, denying them their rights, dignity, and potential. The consequences are devastating, with over 8,000 girls forced into early marriages or sex slavery since 2008 (Girl Child Network (GCN), Perpetuation of gender-based violence, limited access to education and economic opportunities, entrenchment of poverty and inequality, and undermining of Zimbabwe's progress towards gender equality.

By tackling the root causes of child marriage and promoting economic empowerment, WAP is dedicated to unlocking the potential of vulnerable girls and young women, fostering resilience, and paving the way for a brighter, and more equitable future. Zimbabwe's deepening crisis has exacted a devastating toll on women and girls, who constitute 52% of the population and bear the brunt of extreme poverty. This has spawned a vicious cycle of child marriage, exploitation, and lost values and potential. As the most vulnerable members of society, women and girls are being robbed of their childhood, education, and future prospects. It is imperative that we confront the root causes of poverty and child marriage, and implement sustainable solutions to empower women and girls, restore their dignity, and unlock their full potential.

In addition to its numerous programmes and activities, between 2023 and 2025, WAP provided financial support to 42 girls who received full scholarships which covered their annual school fees. Prior to receiving the scholarships, many of these girls faced significant obstacles to education. WAP's scholarship program has not only opened doors to education but also equipped the girls with the skills and confidence to succeed.

The girls who received scholarships and support from WAP were carefully selected from the WAP "Give Us Books Not Husbands" girls clubs. The majority are from vulnerable households, including single parent households and child-headed families, with most of them facing significant challenges in accessing education and economic opportunities. WAP's scholarship program and entrepreneurship initiatives are aimed to address these challenges and empower the girls to break the cycle of poverty and inequality by ensuring girls access to education, as well as their well-being.

The majority of the girls supported by WAP face an uncertain future, as most rely heavily on the organization for educational support and family income. Without WAP's assistance, many will struggle to pay school fees in 2026, potentially forcing them to drop out of school, which will in turn exacerbate the existing challenge as many already face significant barriers to education. The absence of WAP's support could leave these girls more susceptible to exploitation, early marriage and other forms of abuse.

To ensure mitigation and the continuity of our girls' education program in Zimbabwe, WAP is reaching out to organizations and well-wishers for support. We invite you to partner with us in empowering the next generation by contributing to our 2026 Education Fund. Your donation, big or small, will help bridge the financial gap and enable these deserving girls to pursue their educational aspirations.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and futures.

For contact, you can email us at [email protected] , [email protected] , and [email protected]