Manicaland Agricultural Show
From September 19 to 21, 2024, the vibrant city of Mutare came alive for the Manicaland Agricultural Show, an event that united organisations committed to transforming lives and strengthening communities. Among them was the WAVE Project, implemented by Family Support Trust (FST) in partnership with the Adult Rape Clinic and the Nzeve Deaf Centre. The team was excited to engage the public, share success storiesand raise awareness about the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The opening day was filled with anticipation as the FST team set up an eye-catching exhibition stand that showcased the life-changing impact of the WAVE Project. Though visitor traffic was light at first — as is common on opening day — the team used the time to connect with other organisations and stakeholders working in related fields. Many visitors showed great interest in the handcrafted items created by women trained through the WAVE Project, recognising them as symbols of empowerment and resilience. These interactions opened doors to promising partnerships that could expand the project’s reach and impact. The second day saw a surge in visitors, particularly students and teachers eager to learn more about issues surrounding SGBV and disability inclusion. The team facilitated meaningful conversations about collaboration, preventionand protection, inspiring educators to integrate these vital topics into school programmes. Many teachers expressed interest in partnering with the WAVE Project to promote child safety and awareness — a powerful sign of shared responsibility for shaping safer communities. As the final day unfolded, the FST team continued to engage visitors despite the excitement of the show’s closing activities. Representatives from Diamond FM and The Manica Post visited the stand to explore opportunities for future collaboration, underscoring the media’s essential role in amplifying awareness about SGBV. A proud highlight of the event was Family Support Trust receiving a certificate for securing second place among NGO exhibitions — a well-deserved recognition of the team’s creativity, dedicationand passion for advocacy. The Manicaland Agricultural Show was more than just an exhibition — it was a celebration of partnership, learningand collective action. Each conversation, questionand handshake strengthened our resolve to continue raising awareness and creating safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence. As the WAVE Project moves forward, we remain committed to fostering a society where every voice is heard, every survivor is supportedand every community is empowered to say no to gender-based violence.
16 days of Activism commemoration at Women’s University in Africa
On the 29th of November and the 1st of December in 2023, the Family Support Trust participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, hosted at Women’s University in Africa Manresa and Marondera campuses. The Women’s University in Africa organised the event, with the primary objective of launching and commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Several organisations participated in the seminar, including the Deaf Zimbabwe Trust, the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA), the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe, Childline, and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC). The seminar allowed different organisations to share information related to their respective organisations through a panel discussion. The discussion covered a wide range of topics related to gender-based violence, and each organisation discussed the work they were doing to combat the issue. The event was well-attended and provided a platform for participants to network and collaborate on future initiatives. The Family Support Trust Harare clinic manager, Joyce Murwisi delivered a presentation on the medical and psycho-social support services that FST provides to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Subsequently, a question-and-answer session was conducted to evaluate the student’s knowledge of sexual and gender-based violence. During this segment, Alice Muridzo posed questions, and those who answered correctly were rewarded with prizes, thereby enhancing the audience’s enthusiasm to participate and learn. On the second day of the commemorations held on the 1st of December, Emildah Munjoro led the questions and answers segment. Students who were the main participants who provided correct answers were awarded prizes. The Marondera campus students enacted a play that resonated around gender-based violence and the services available to survivors of SGBV.
Commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Hauna, Mutasa District
On November 26th, 2023, Family Support Trust (FST), together with partners Adult Rape Clinic and Nzeve Deaf Centre, proudly joined the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Hauna, Mutasa District. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, marked the beginning of a nationwide campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and children. Held under the theme “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children,” the launch brought together government officials, community members, and various organisations working to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV). The atmosphere was one of unity, reflection, and shared commitment to creating safer communities for all. As part of the WAVE Consortium, Family Support Trust, Adult Rape Clinic, and Nzeve Deaf Centre showcased their ongoing work in supporting survivors and preventing GBV. Visitors to the consortium’s stand learned about the wide range of services available — from medical and psycho-social support to awareness and inclusion initiatives such as sign language interpretation for deaf survivors. The event also offered a platform to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and reinforce the message that ending GBV requires collective action and sustained investment. Representatives from numerous organisations and ministries expressed appreciation for the consortium’s contributions to national GBV response efforts. In recognition of its exceptional dedication and impact, Family Support Trust was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation, presented by the Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development. This recognition underscores FST’s continued commitment to empowering survivors, promoting prevention, and advocating for a violence-free society.
Strengthening Support Systems for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Handover of the One One-Stop Centre at Mpilo Hospital
On the 25th of April 2023, Family Support Trust (FST) proudly handed over the newly constructed One Stop Centre building at Mpilo Central Hospital to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the generous support of the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe (在ジンバブエ日本国大使館). This milestone marks an important step forward in expanding access to comprehensive and survivor-focused services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Bulawayo and surrounding communities. The One Stop Centre will provide a safe and confidential environment where survivors can access integrated medical, psycho-socialand legal support services under one roof. It aims to reduce the trauma survivors often face when seeking help from multiple service points, ensuring timely and compassionate care. Through this initiative, Family Support Trust continues to strengthen national efforts in preventing and responding to SGBV, while fostering partnerships that uphold the rights, dignityand well-being of women, childrenand all vulnerable groups.