Key Points
- Neddy Kabungaidze broke free from violence through education and skills.
- The Sage program empowers women with literacy and vocational training.
- Community efforts have reduced GBV cases and boosted women’s confidence.
Neddy Kabungaidze, a 20-year-old woman from Sahumani village in Mutasa district, Manicaland province, knows what it means to feel trapped.
Her life was a daily struggle, caught in a cycle of severe gender-based violence (GBV) and illiteracy that left her feeling powerless and isolated.
Kabungaidze’s marriage was marked by fear and dependence. Her husband used her inability to read against her, issuing commands that left her feeling like a prisoner in her own home.
Simple tasks, like reading phone messages and instructions, became battles that deepened the cracks in their relationship.
A glimmer of hope through education
According to a report by Newsday, her life began to change when she joined the Supporting Adolescent Girls Education (Sage) program.
This initiative, part of the Teacher Effectiveness and Equitable Access for All Children (Teach) project, is funded by UKAid and run by Plan International Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwean government.
Sage offers foundational literacy and vocational skills training for marginalized girls. For Kabungaidze, this program was more than just education—it was a lifeline.
She learned to read, write, and develop essential baking and cooking skills. These newfound abilities not only nourished her family but also gave her a sense of independence.
“I was trapped in a marriage that was slowly destroying me,” Kabungaidze shared during an interview at the Sahumani hub. “My husband would beat me, insult me, and control every part of my life.
But everything changed when I joined the empowerment program. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of independence and confidence.”
Finding strength and transforming her marriage
Beyond vocational skills, the program taught Kabungaidze about her rights. With this knowledge, she found the courage to stand up for herself. “I learned that I didn’t have to tolerate abuse.
With my new skills and confidence, I started to speak up in my marriage,” she explained. “To my surprise, my husband began to respect me, and our relationship started to change.”
Today, Kabungaidze is a symbol of resilience. “I am no longer trapped in a cycle of violence. My marriage is better, and I have a new sense of purpose and self-worth,” she said.
She now encourages other women to seek help and embrace the power of education. “If I could break free, so can you.”
Changing lives and strengthening communities
The impact of the Sage program is being felt across the Mutasa district. Headman Moji Sahumani shared, “Just a few years ago, GBV cases were common. But thanks to Plan International Zimbabwe, our community is seeing real change.”
Rebecca Nzara, a community care worker and GBV focal person echoed this sentiment. “We have seen a huge drop in GBV cases. Women are more confident and vocal about their rights,” she said.
Nzara praised Plan International Zimbabwe for their efforts in empowering women and promoting positive change.
Charlotte Chishava, a project manager at Plan International Zimbabwe, explained the broader impact of the initiative. “Girls in Zimbabwe face serious barriers to education, made worse by gender inequality. Sage helps remove these barriers and creates an environment where girls can thrive.”
Progress, but more work ahead
In Mutasa district, GBV cases remain a concern. The district ranks second to Chipinge for GBV rates in Manicaland province. In 2023, about 32% of women in the district experienced physical violence. Headman Sahumani said he used to record 15 GBV cases a month but now receives only about three.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, one in three women aged 15 to 49 in Zimbabwe has faced physical violence, while one in four has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
While progress is being made, there’s still a long road ahead. Kabungaidze’s story is a reminder of how education and empowerment can transform lives. Her courage stands as a beacon of hope for women still trapped in silence.
“Education gave me power,” she said. “Now, I have hope, and I can help others find their strength too.”
Kabungaidze’s journey shows that change is possible. It starts with one person finding the courage to learn, speak, and reclaim their life—and that change can uplift an entire community.
