GEGE

# GEGE's Position on Mpox and its Impact on Women

Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerment (GEGE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering girls and women around the world. In light of the recent concerns over the potential for a mpox outbreak, GEGE has issued the following statement on the organization's position and assessment of the potential impact on women.

# # Mpox Disproportionately Affects Women
GEGE is deeply concerned about the gendered impacts that a mpox outbreak could have. Early data suggests that the current mpox outbreak is disproportionately affecting men who have s*x with men. However, GEGE's analysis indicates that women and girls could face significant secondary effects and burdens from a widespread mpox outbreak.

Women often take on outsized caregiving responsibilities within families and communities. If mpox begins to spread more broadly, women may be required to leave work or school to care for sick family members, putting them at greater risk of exposure. This could exacerbate existing gender inequalities in the workforce and education system.

In addition, access to reproductive healthcare and maternal health services could be disrupted by the strains a mpox outbreak would place on healthcare systems. This could have devastating consequences, especially for women in developing countries with already fragile healthcare infrastructure.

# # Supporting Women and Girls During a Mpox Outbreak
GEGE is calling on governments, public health agencies, and the international community to ensure that the needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls are prioritized in mpox preparedness and response efforts.Green Institute, Vemuganga Community Radio

Empowering Girls, Cultivating Change: GeGe at the Green Institute

The Green Institute's recent meeting on agroecology saw a powerful presentation by Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerment (GeGe) organization, shedding light on the critical issues of child marriage and s*xual reproductive rights.

GeGe's presentation resonated deeply with the attendees, highlighting the interconnectedness of these issues with sustainable agriculture and environmental justice. The organization's work, focused on empowering girls and advocating for their rights, resonated with the Green Institute's mission to promote sustainable and equitable practices.

The presentation delved into the devastating impact of child marriage on girls' education, health, and future prospects. GeGe emphasized the importance of comprehensive s*xual and reproductive health education for young people, empowering them to make informed choices and protect their well-being.

The presentation served as a powerful call to action, urging participants to consider the role of gender equality in achieving sustainable development. GeGe's work, by addressing the root causes of inequality and empowering girls, directly contributes to building a more just and sustainable future.

This collaboration between GeGe and the Green Institute exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary dialogue and action. By bringing together experts in agroecology and gender equality, the meeting fostered a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing our world and inspired innovative solutions.Green Institute, Cotrad, Vemuganga Community Radio, Green Governance,

summary of the attendance at the Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerment agroecology workshop organized by the Green Institute in Zimbabwe:

The agroecology workshop focused on promoting gender equality and empowering girls in Zimbabwe through sustainable agricultural practices. The workshop was organized by the Green Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental and social justice.

The workshop was well-attended, drawing participants from across Zimbabwe who were interested in learning about agroecological farming methods and how these approaches can support gender equality and girls' empowerment.Attendees included smallholder farmers, community leaders, representatives from women's organizations, and youth activists.

During the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions that covered topics such as organic farming techniques, water management, and post-harvest processing. There was a strong emphasis on how agroecology can provide economic opportunities for women and girls, while also improving food security and environmental sustainability.

The workshop also featured panel discussions and interactive activities that explored the linkages between gender, agriculture, and community development. Participants shared their experiences and perspectives, and worked together to identify strategies for advancing gender equality through agroecological practices
Overall, the agroecology workshop was seen as an important step in empowering women and girls in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector.

Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerment on the SADC Summit

The upcoming SADC (Southern African Development Community) summit presents a crucial opportunity to address the intertwined issues of gender equality and climate justice. As the region grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, it is essential that the voices and needs of women and girls are at the forefront of the discussions and solutions.

The SADC region has made significant strides in promoting gender equality through the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, which was adopted in 2008 and revised in 2016 to align with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the protocol has yet to fully incorporate the critical dimension of climate change and its disproportionate effects on women and girls.

Women and girls in the SADC region are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as they are responsible for tasks like fetching water and food for their families. As these resources become scarce due to droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters, the burden on women and girls increases, often forcing them to drop out of school or face increased risks of gender-based violence.

At the SADC summit, it is crucial that member states prioritize the inclusion of a gender-responsive climate change strategy within the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. This would ensure that the specific needs and challenges faced by women and girls are addressed in the region's climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Furthermore, the summit should provide a platform for the meaningful participation of women and girls in the decision making process

Empowering Women for Epidemic Response: GEGE's

The meeting commenced with a series of insightful presentations from a panel of experts, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of gender-based challenges in public health emergencies.

Dr. Rudo Chikuhwa, a renowned epidemiologist, provided a comprehensive overview of the local community's experiences during the Cholera epidemic. She highlighted the disproportionate impact on women, who were often burdened with additional caregiving responsibilities, faced higher rates of job loss, and encountered barriers in accessing essential healthcare services.

"The Cholera epidemic has shone a harsh light on the systemic inequalities that women face, particularly in marginalized communities," Dr. Chikuhwa stated. "As we prepare for future outbreaks, it is imperative that we center the needs and perspectives of women in our response strategies."

Following the opening presentations, the floor was opened for an interactive panel discussion, where attendees were encouraged to share their personal stories, insights, and recommendations. The discussion was lively and wide-ranging, touching on a variety of critical issues, including:

1. Barriers to Women's Participation:
Participants identified numerous sociocultural, economic, and political barriers that have historically limited women's involvement in epidemic response efforts. These include traditional gender norms that relegate women to domestic roles, lack of access to decision-making positions, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid caregiving responsibilities.

2. Strengthening Women's Leadership:
The attendees explored strategies to empower women as leaders in epidemic response, such as providing targeted leadership training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for women to assume key roles in planning and implementation. The importance of representation in decision-making bodies was also emphasized.

3. Community-Based Approaches

Green Institute

# GEGE's Engagement with Ward 24 Community on Women and Girls in Leadership Roles

In June, the organization GEGE (Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerme) conducted a series of engagement activities with the community of Ward 24 to address the issue of open defecation. The focus of these efforts was to empower women and girls to take on leadership roles in driving positive change within their community.

GEGE's approach centered around "triggering sessions" - interactive workshops that aimed to raise awareness, foster community participation, and catalyze action. These sessions brought together local residents, with a particular emphasis on engaging women and girls.

During the triggering sessions, the GEGE team facilitated discussions that highlighted the health, environmental, and social impacts of open defecation. Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences, challenges, and ideas for solutions. The sessions emphasized the important role that women and girls can play in addressing this critical issue.

Through these collaborative efforts, GEGE worked to build the leadership capacities of women and girls in Ward 24. Participants were given opportunities to take on active roles in planning and implementing community-based initiatives to improve sanitation and hygiene practices.

The triggering sessions also served as a platform for community members to voice their concerns, share their needs, and collectively brainstorm sustainable strategies to tackle open defecation. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of ownership and investment among the residents, particularly the women and girls, who became empowered as change agents within their community.

GEGE's engagement with Ward 24 demonstrated the potential for grassroots organizations to empower marginalized groups, such as women and girls, to assume leadership positions and drive meaningful change in their communities. By prioritizing gender equity and community participation
Green Institute

Gender Equality and Girl Child Empowerment Zimbabwe: Reflections from Tongagara Refugee Camp

On World Refugee Day 2024, I had the opportunity to visit the Tongagara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe and attend the camp's commemoration of this important global event. As I walked through the vibrant and resilient community, I was struck by the ways in which issues of gender equality and girl child empowerment were being addressed, even in the challenging context of a refugee camp.

Zimbabwe has made important strides in recent years to promote gender equality and support the empowerment of girls and young women. The country's constitution prohibits discrimination based on gender, and various laws and policies have been enacted to protect the rights of women and girls. However, deep-seated cultural norms and economic disparities continue to pose barriers to true equality.

At Tongagara, I saw firsthand how refugee communities are working to overcome these challenges. The camp's schools placed a strong emphasis on girls' education, with equal enrollment of male and female students. I spoke with young refugee women who were pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and community leaders - their ambition and determination inspiring.

The camp also had robust programming focused on s*xual and reproductive health, tackling issues like early marriage and gender-based violence. Women were actively engaged in the camp's decision-making processes, serving in leadership roles and advocating for their needs. Additionally, vocational training and income-generating activities were designed to economically empower refugee women and promote their independence.

While much work remains to be done, the resilience and ingenuity of the Tongagara community offers hope. By centering gender equality and girl child empow

An El Niño event has caused a severe drought in a local community, jeopardizing livelihoods and disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Gender equality and Girl Child empowerment Zimbabwe carried the following activities at an event held in ward 26 :
* Needs assessment: The organization conducts a community needs assessment to understand the drought's impact on women and girls' access to water, food, education, and income.

* Girl child education: The organization prioritizes girls' education during the crisis. They might establish temporary childcare centers or flexible learning schedules to ensure girls can continue attending school while helping their families cope with the drought.
* Advocacy: The organization advocates for the inclusion of women and girls in local decision-making processes concerning drought response and long-term climate resilience planning.
* Mentorship programs: The organization creates mentorship programs linking experienced women with adolescent girls. This empowers girls, fosters knowledge sharing, and provides emotional support during challenging times.
By implementing these activities, the organization can empower women and girls to become agents of change in their communities, building resilience and improving livelihoods in the face of the El Niño-induced drought.

The image below a group of people, members of the GEGE organization, engaged in an activity or meeting with a community in an outdoor setting.

The people are gathered under a tree, suggesting this may be a community meeting or discussion taking place. Some individuals are standing while others are seated, indicating an interactive session. The presence of the GEGE organization members suggests they are engaging with the local community on issues related to their work, potentially addressing challenges brought on by the El Niño-induced drought mentioned.

Without being able to identify specific individuals, the image conveys a sense of a collaborative effort between the GEGE organization and the community to address livelihood concerns and explore ways to improve the situation due to the drought. The gathering appears to be an opportunity for the organization to listen to the community's needs and work together towards finding solutions.

Gender imbalance disproportionately affects marginalized communities, hindering their overall progress. Here's a glimpse into the problem and potential solutions:
The Problem
Marginalized communities often face entrenched social norms and limited resources, exacerbating gender inequality. This can manifest in:
* Limited education for girls
* Lack of economic opportunities for women
* Increased vulnerability to violence
As GEGE we aim for:
* Education: Promoting girls' education is crucial. Educated women are empowered to make informed choices and participate more actively in society.
* Economic empowerment: Providing women with access to capital, skills training, and markets fosters financial independence and decision-making power.
* Community awareness: Challenging traditional gender roles and promoting awareness about gender equality through community outreach programs can lead to lasting change.
By addressing gender imbalance, marginalized communities can unlock their full potential and create a more just and equitable society.

El Niño-induced droughts disproportionately impact girls and young mothers, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Here's a breakdown of the key challenges:
* Increased burden of water collection: Droughts force girls and young women to travel long distances to collect water, taking away time from education and leisure.
* Greater risk of violence: Venturing far from home to collect water exposes girls to violence and exploitation.
* School dropout: The need to help families cope with water scarcity often leads to girls dropping out of school.
* Nutritional deficiencies: Droughts lead to food insecurity, which can cause malnutrition, especially among young mothers and children.
* Child marriage: In some communities, families may marry off their daughters early as a coping mechanism during droughts.

As Girl child and empowerment Zimbabwe we call upon government and NGOs yo implement various strategies to address the challenges faced by girls and young mothers during El Niño-induced droughts:
* Water resource management: Investing in infrastructure like rainwater harvesting systems and boreholes can improve access to clean water closer to home.
* Education initiatives: Providing scholarships, menstrual hygiene kits, and safe spaces in schools can help keep girls enrolled.
* Livelihood programs: Supporting income-generating activities for women can empower them economically and improve their bargaining power within the household.
* Gender-sensitive disaster response: Integrating gender considerations into all aspects of drought response plans is crucial for ensuring equitable outcomes.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious issue in Zimbabwe, disproportionately affecting women and girls in marginalized communities. These communities often face economic hardship, limited access to education and healthcare, and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. This creates a breeding ground for violence, including:
* Intimate partner violence: Women in abusive relationships may struggle to leave due to economic dependence or fear of social stigma.
* Sexual violence: Girls traveling long distances for water or firewood in rural areas are especially vulnerable.
* Child marriages: Rob girls of their childhood and education, increasing their risk of domestic violence and health problems.
Marginalized communities also have limited access to support services for survivors of GBV. Organizations are working to address this by:
* Raising awareness about GBV and its impact.
* Providing safe spaces and support services for survivors.
* Advocating for legal and policy reforms.
Together, these efforts can help create a safer and more just future for women and girls in Zimbabwe.