Founder: Ruvimbo Topodzi
Country: Zimbabwe
Area of Work: Child Marriage
Impact: 50 Students Trained
Years in Partnership: 2
Topodzi Foundation, Zimbabwe
Ruvimbo Topodzi
Founder of the Topodzi Foundation
"The ConnectHER grant will allow our organization to carry out its mandate to empower girls. It will raise awareness and advocate on ending child marriages."
We were first introduced to Ruvimbo Topodzi through the 2020 ConnectHER Film Festival Film Not Your Bride: A Woman's Constitution.
Her work helping to heal and restore young girls and women after child marriage was a perfect fit for a project partner. Our first grant to Topodzi Foundation will allow them to expand their economic empowerment program, teaching women and girls to make and sell petroleum jelly. In addition to earning an income, education and support services help ensure that each girl has a way to move forward.
Our second grant helped them establish Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SHRH) clubs in schools that provide a safe space for students to discuss and learn about their sexual and reproductive health. At the same time, they will also be equipped with entrepreneurial skills making and selling detergent sold within the school premises. The proceeds from these sales will be used to purchase sanitary wear for girls in the same schools, addressing a critical need that often hinders their ability to attend school during their menstrual cycles.
