Rockflower is proud to highlight the success of our partner organization, Women Advocacy Project (WAP), in hosting the transformative Stand Up and Speak Out training program. This radically transformational event took place at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) in Belvedere from January 3rd to 5th, 2024, bringing together 44 young women from local communities.

Established to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized women and girls, WAP has been at the forefront of advocacy and change making for many years. The Stand Up and Speak Out training program comes as a testament to the practical application of their commitment to focusing on educating young girls about the dangers of early child marriages and equipping them with the skills to advocate for their rights.

The workshop was an opportunity for WAP to build on the support it has received over the years from Rockflower and several other organizations to establish themselves as the one of the most respected voices for change in Zimbabwe. It has served as a platform for raising awareness about the effects of child marriage and the many solutions available to provide alternative paths to opportunity and freedom. According to a national study, 33.7% of girls under the age of 18 in Zimbabwe are married; a stark contrast to just 2% of young men.

Participants, many of whom were members of clubs established by WAP in 2018, engaged in interactive sessions that covered a wide range of topics from sexual reproductive health rights, to the intricacies of sex and gender. Discussions on intersectionality, human rights, youth participation, and financial empowerment were led by respected figures in their fields.The program’s climax was the adoption of WAP’s powerful slogan, "Give us books not husbands," symbolizing the participants' resolve to prioritize education over early marriage.

The young women left the workshop not only with a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of early child marriage but also with a renewed sense of agency. They expressed a commitment to disseminating their newfound knowledge within their communities, aiming to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Rockflower has partnered with WAP since 2016 and was one of the first to commit to funding their vision and expansion. Over the years they have received support from many other sources both within Africa and internationally, however their greatest asset has always been in the dedication and commitment of their fierce group of young women determined to carve out a better life for themselves and their peers.

As we celebrate the success of this program, Rockflower remains dedicated to ensuring that WAP remains as a beacon of hope of what is possible for so many young women who would otherwise be left without a sense of agency or voice over the trajectory of their future.