Women Development Association in Zimbabwe (WODAZ)

Über uns

The Women Development Association in Zimbabwe Trust (WODAZ) is an organisation that was established to fight for women's rights. It acts as the voice of women both in social and political spheres on the principle that societies flourish when all voices/opinions are heard and considered. It seeks to contribute to the opening up, expansion and accessibility of space for women participation in decision making as well as in the country's democratic processes.

What we do
• WODAZ works towards addressing the needs of urban local people by involving the local councillors and the municipality of Gwanda to improve social service delivery. So far, the organisation has managed to carry out activities without financial support in Zimbabwe. These activities are in the form of women public meetings and focus group meetings with institutional and church leaders. Those were aimed at introducing the organisation to the people as well as create awareness on women rights. WODAZ is looking to carry out capacity building programmes in the hope of covering all thirteen districts of Matabeleland South.
• WODAZ women are mobilizing around abuse and violence and fighting to make the healthcare system more responsive to their particular needs in times of abuse. They often have to travel long distances to access medication, and stand in lines for hours, only to receive less medication than they need, necessitating another trip and great physical – and financial – hardship.
• The organization endeavors to create and mentor local women and girls committees as a next step to provide wraparound support to women at all levels and ensure that their needs, demands and human rights are part of every conversation and on every agenda. The organization is gearing up to hold planning meetings with women leaders and local government leadership representatives to strategize on sustainable and effective movement-building.
• It has engaged community leaders on issues affecting women's and girls' effective participation in the decision-making process. It has also managed to form the Women Rights Holders Club in North and South Gwanda and Mzingwane.
• Realising the important role that economic issues play in mitigating domestic and other forms of violence, the organisation established Goat Rearing Projects in the outer parts of Gwanda town which aim to reduce poverty and financially empower women. WODAZ works with other organisations such as WILD, CYDT and Tree of Life, which also channel their strength and resources to advance women politically and economically.

Sethekele Tshabangu is the Director at Women Development Association in Zimbabwe Trust (WODAZ).

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