:: Girl Child Network ::

The stories we listened to made us bleed inside, the genital wounds we later had to help nurse evoked us, the long distances we travelled every day and night to educate girls on their rights made us strong, the songs of joy and sorrow the girls sang made us more passionate, everything to do with girlhood and the fact that we were there for the girls pushed us to do even more and more from the heart, soul, mind and all. The fact that we finally claimed the girls` spaces where the girls now live and develop free of violence makes it imperative that we share the great tidings. (GCN Director and Founder, Betty Makoni)

Traditional and Religious leaders and healers

The myth that virgins cure HIV and AIDS is fast diminishing because GCN has held several workshops with the traditional leaders and healers. No traditional leaders or healers conducted any virginity tests and all of them promised to comply with the national laws.

INFORMATION DOCUMENTATION & DISSEMINATION

GCN has developed a culture of documentation and dissemination of information from girls to other stakeholders.

GIRLS AT RISK SUPPORT

This program provides 24 hour emergency services to abused girls especially for those who want to disclose abuse following GCN awareness campaigns. GCN provides rescues for potential abuse victims, accompanying them to the police, social welfare agencies, and other children’s service and women’s organizations as appropriate.

Mandate

GCN’s mandate comes from the girls of Zimbabwe themselves, who in joining girls’ empowerment clubs have signaled their desire for GCN to lead the holistic empowerment of the girl child.