Audrey Galawu
Assistant Editor
Dr Vongai Nyahunzvi attributes her success to organisations that are focused on empowering young girls. She considers herself a living testament to the profound impact of the support she received during her formative years.
As a visionary founder, she recognises the crucial role of having a mentor to who recognises your potential, fosters your development, and provides the necessary resources for you to pursue success.
"I was born in Norton, a small township 40 kilometres from Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Growing up in the early 1980s, my daily life was shaped by economic hardships and the cultural norms that often limited the opportunities for girls. My path seemed predestined to follow the all-too-common route of becoming a teenage mother, a narrative deeply ingrained in the fabric of my community
"However, my life took a different turn when I encountered two NGOs focused on empowering young girls. They provided educational resources, mentorship, and crucial information about reproductive health, which was rarely discussed openly in my community. These opportunities illuminated broader horizons beyond the confines of early marriage and motherhood.
In 2023, she set up the Alliance for Women and Girls, an organisation dedicated to cultivating leadership across all levels to support organisations and leaders who are working on issues affecting women and girls on the African continent.
AFWAG stands out as a beacon of empowerment, viewing leadership as a catalyst for transformative change and actively working towards realising this vision through its diverse programmes.
It comprises a network of independent organisations spanning Africa, each passionately committed to creating a world here every woman and girl can thrive.
Their vision envisions a society where gender equality is the norm, hence she emphasises the importance of investing in gender-focused leadership.
“Investing in leadership is essential. The challenges women and girls face in Africa are complex and deeply embedded in society. From limited healthcare and education to unequal wealth and land ownership, these issues are worsened by gender-biased cultural practices and negative social views. With Africa's population expected to double by 2050, these challenges will grow, making it even more important to invest in gender-focused leadership.
“This transformation was made possible by the belief and investment these NGOs placed in me. Their support not only changed my life but also inspired me to help others facing similar challenges. This experience highlighted the significant impact that investing in leadership, particularly gender-focused leadership, can have on achieving equity.
"Empowered by this newfound knowledge and support, I completed my education, opening doors to career opportunities I had never imagined possible.”
"We have seen evidence of this investment paying off. Organisations like Teach For All, CAMFED - Campaign for Female Education, and Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage show the powerful impact of investing in girls. Teach For All Africa partners are improving education systems, ensuring girls in underserved communities receive quality education
Dr Nyahunzvi emphasises that the need for gender-focused leadership is not just about supporting individual leaders but about fostering a collaborative network that shares resources, strategic insights, and emotional support.
This network can amplify the impact of each leader’s work, creating a ripple effect that drives systemic change across the continent
"Achieving gender equity requires a strategic investment in leadership. By nurturing leaders and supporting their initiatives, we can create sustainable models that ensure long-term progress.
"Every bridge reinforced, every life transformed, is a step toward a world where every girl can achieve her dreams. Let us invest in these leaders, ensuring that their bridges to opportunity remain strong and enduring, enabling countless others to cross over to a future filled with possibilities."
Vongai has facilitated and led leadership development work in countries such as Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Norway; Poland, Afghanistan and Turkey just to mention a few.
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