GOALies Championing Gender Equality in Zimbabwe: Nomthandazo’s Story

Gender Barriers in Zimbabwe 

In Zimbabwe, women and girls continue to face significant gender-related challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Gender inequality, discrimination, and deeply ingrained social norms restrict their daily lives. These gender imbalances create barriers that hinder opportunities for women and girls, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and even violence.   

Gender imbalances in overseas development aid can leave women vulnerable to exploitation. In Zimbabwe, cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, such as coercing young girls into exchanging sexual favours for aid, are preventing women from accessing safe and reliable resources. This abuse of power not only harms individuals but also undermines the integrity of international aid, which should always be provided unconditionally.

Achieving full gender equality requires the unwavering commitment of the international community, alongside the efforts of individuals at every level. At GOAL, our GOALies are dedicated to driving this change forward.

Fighting for Gender Justice 

At GOAL, Nomthandazo Jones is one of our GOALies dedicated to promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe by advocating for equal opportunities, resources, and support for both women and men.  

Nomthandazo’s passion for social justice and gender equality began during her studies in Sociology at the University of Zimbabwe. She went on to build an impressive 20-year career in gender and women’s rights. Throughout her career as a development worker, Nomthandazo has gained over two decades of experience in women’s empowerment, and gender-based violence programming, working with both national and international non-governmental organisations. As Gender and Protection Coordinator, Nomthandazo supports various projects aimed at bridging gender gaps in Zimbabwe. 

Speaking on her work to date, Nomthandazo says, “My favourite project was the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse project. We conducted mobile awareness across the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, delivering key messages about humanitarian work and that aid is free and should be free of sexual coercion and bribery. The project reached out to mainly women and girls who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers because of the nature of our society which is patriarchal and has many gender inequalities” 

“This project is dear to my heart as we managed to reach out to women and girls who are particularly vulnerable in humanitarian settings”, she continued. “My favourite part about the project is that women and girls managed to know their rights, that aid is free from all international humanitarian organisations, without having to enter into sexual relationships or without having to give any form of bribery to be able to access aid.” 

 “We are able to reach out to communities to be able to empower them to stand on their feet and reach the development that they seek.” Nomthandzo continues, “For me, this was a game changer for women and girls who studies have shown, suffer a lot of abuse sexually from humanitarian workers as we deliver the aid and support that is their right.”

Life at GOAL 

At GOAL, gender equality is deeply integrated into all aspects of our work, from the communities we support to the inclusive environment we foster for our GOALies. 

Speaking about her experience as a GOALie, Nomthandazo shared, “I enjoy being a GOALie, especially as a female staff member, because of the opportunities that I have received over the years and the opportunities that I have seen my female counterparts also receiving, because of the safe environment that has been created through different safeguarding approaches. I really enjoy being with GOAL. I am proud to be a GOALie.” 

Gender protection and coordination are vital to ensuring the effective delivery of aid, making GOALies like Nomthandazo the backbone of GOAL’s mission.