Breaking the cycle of GBV: Women Evolve marks five years of empowerment

AT a time when conversations around gender-based violence (GBV) remain critical, Women Evolve on Saturday marked five years of women’s economic empowerment, celebrating how financial independence has helped members break cycles of abuse, dependency and silence.

Smartly dressed in all shades of pink, members gathered in Chinhoyi for a high tea and prize-giving ceremony, where women who excelled in business, savings and personal development were recognised. Beyond the glamour and celebration, the event carried a powerful message: empowered women are less vulnerable to GBV because they have a voice, choices and the ability to make decisions.

Founded during the Covid-19 period, Women Evolve has grown into a 180-member organisation bringing together women from Zimbabwe and across the world. Through ‘mukando’ savings schemes, mentorship and skills development, the group equips women to generate income, contribute meaningfully at home and rebuild confidence.

Founder Margret Chidarikire said economic empowerment has proven to be a practical tool in addressing GBV.

“When women are empowered, they are not easily mistreated,” she said.

Chinhoyi Municipality councillor Ruth Chikukwa, also a member of the organisation, said shared responsibility in households has reduced conflict.

“If everyone is contributing to the household, quarrels are reduced and time is spent on productive things instead of fighting,” she said.

She said her life had transformed significantly since joining Women Evolve.

“My life has changed a lot. In just a short period of time, I managed to install solar, security wall at my house, acquired a driver’s licence, raised money for my passport and bought cement through mukando. I am now looking forward to building my own house. I have a better life and I feel empowered,” she said.

Chikukwa encouraged women to break free from dependency.

“My advice is that every woman should be able to use her own hands, work hard and stop the dependency syndrome. That syndrome makes women prone to abuse and violence,” she said.

Several members testified that financial independence has changed dynamics in their marriages and relationships, reducing dependency on spouses and making them less vulnerable to abuse.

“When l joined, l was broken having gone through divorce. Here l found a new family, l found my sisters. Teachings we receive in this group are life changing. We are taught to work hard. I’m happy that I’m financially independent and l can do a lot on my own.

“Once you can make decisions and put food on the table, you are respected,” said 40-year-old Chico Mungororo, a mother of three and a successful businesswoman.

Messages from interviews conducted during the celebrations strongly resonated with the recently concluded 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with members saying Women Evolve’s teachings translate activism into lived realities.

Over the past five years, women in the organisation have progressed from having nothing to building houses, buying cars, acquiring residential stands and running successful small businesses. Others have raised money for passports, driver’s licences and income-generating projects such as poultry farming.

Chidarikire emphasised that Women Evolve does not advocate for divorce, but for strong, empowered women who can sustain families regardless of their marital status.

“We want women to have a voice, not only in their homes, but in the economy and at decision-making tables,” she said.

Members said they felt empowered, united and hopeful. Many described Chidarikire as God-sent, saying she treats every woman in the organisation like her own daughter which makes every process smooth.

“We are empowered, we are evolving,” one member said.