By Staff Writer
Rosaria Memorial Trust last week launched the Dura reruZivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub, an innovative initiative aimed at generating and promoting feminist knowledge in rural communities, at Education and Counselling Centre in Magaya Village Murehwa, Mashonaland East.
The Dura reruZivo Feminist Knowledge Hubs are complementary to the Government of Zimbabwe’s commitment on ending violence against women, promoting gender equality and bridging the digital divide.
The launch was attended by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Chief Mangwende, government officials, European Union and United Nations representatives, partners, community leaders and members. Attendees will had the opportunity to learn more about the Dura reruZivo Feminist Knowledge Hub and witness the positive impact it will have on the lives of people in Murewa District.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa said: “Knowledge hubs are crucial as they provide comprehensive and integrated platforms for women to access and share knowledge related to Violence against Women and Girls as well as evidence-based research, best practices, and resources to advance gender equality and promote empowerment”.
The establishment of the Zivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub at RMT was made possible through the European Union funded Spotlight Initiative being implemented by UN Women.
Highlighting the digital gender gap and the need to scale up similar investments in pursuit of gender equality, UN Women Representative Fatou Lo said: “all stakeholders need to prioritize investments in technologies that advance Gender Equality goals and the empowerment of all women and girls. Especially those with limited access to digital infrastructure, digital devices, and digital skills in a world where technology is no longer a luxury but a basic need that should be accessed by all”.
Rozaria Memorial Trust commended Murewa Rural District Council, Ministry of Women Affairs, Department of Social Development and Ministry of Local Government for taking a zero-tolerance approach in ending violence against women and promoting gender equality through the development of by-laws on ending child marriage, promoting women’s economic empowerment through the tseketsa kumwanasikana initiative and establishing the One-Stop Centre for GBV Response in the district.
RMT Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda said “The innovation, designed to bridge the digital divide, will promote gender equality, empower communities with Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, and respond to gender-based violence. The initiative recognises the immense potential of technology in transforming lives and aims to leverage it to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in rural communities”.
Dura reruZivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub will enable the following:
Promoting Feminist Knowledge – The Dura reruZivo Feminist Knowledge Hub at RMT Education and Counselling Centre will serve as a platform for the generation, exchange and dissemination of feminist knowledge through the digital library. The hub will serve as an information repository for promoting gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and encourage critical dialogue for the realisation of women’s autonomy.
Bridging the Gap Through Technology – Generation and dissemination of feminist knowledge in rural communities is a prerequisite in challenging gender norms, especially in rural communities where negative norms and attitudes often deter women from realising their full potential. The hub will provide access to ICT resources, comprehensive trainings for skills development and support to women in Murewa District as part of bridging the digital divide. ICT trainings will provide an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to access digital markets through e-commerce for their goods and services.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence – Responding to gender-based violence and supporting survivors of GBV in rural communities is often an intricate path, because of family and community dynamics where cases are unreported. By leveraging digital tools and resources in the Dura reruZivo, the hub will enable community members to understand the referral pathway system in responding to GBV and access information online on GBV frontline responders and most critical services needed in cases of sexual violence and abuse.
The Dura reruZivo Feminist Knowledge Hubs are complementary to the Government of Zimbabwe’s commitment on ending violence against women, promoting gender equality and bridging the digital divide.
Zivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hubs have been established in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Harare and Bulawayo – in which RMT, Institute of Young Women Development, Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and KatsweSisterhood are the implementing partners respectively.
The feminist knowledge hubs are a significant step towards creating opportunities and realising a more gender-equal society as the holistic approach of combining technology, feminist knowledge and community empowerment will enable the realisation of sustainable development in communities.