Women’s rights defender Nyaradzo Mashayamombe has been nominated as one of the three change-maker finalists for the prestigious 2024 UN SDG Action Awards. This nomination highlights her tireless dedication to advancing the rights of girls and young women in Zimbabwe, and it positions her as a leading force in the global quest for gender equality and sustainable development.
The UN SDG Action Awards, organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, celebrate exceptional initiatives and individuals who are creatively and innovatively working towards a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. This year’s selection process was notably competitive, with over 5,500 applications and nominations from 190 countries, underscoring the global recognition of Mashayamombe’s impactful work.
Mashayamombe will travel to Rome, Italy, to attend the awards ceremony on October 29, 2024. Her nomination is a testament to her significant contributions in promoting the rights of girls and young women, particularly in addressing issues such as gender-based violence, climate change, and economic empowerment.
Over the years, Mashayamombe has been a formidable advocate for girls’ rights in Zimbabwe. Her initiatives, notably the Leadership Economic Mentorship Hubs, have empowered 6,500 girls and young women to assume leadership roles within their communities. Her work ensures that their voices are not only heard but are also influential in shaping public policy and social change.
In addition to her direct empowerment efforts, Mashayamombe has played a crucial role in mobilizing civil society. Through the Every Child in School campaign, she successfully rallied over 200 organizations in Zimbabwe to support the Education Amendment Act, which seeks to enhance educational opportunities for children across the country.
Mashayamombe’s nomination is shared with two other distinguished finalists: Suvarna Raj, a para-athlete and advocate for disability rights from India, and Payzee Mahmod from the United Kingdom, who is tackling child marriage and honor-based violence through storytelling and advocacy. The recognition of these diverse and impactful change-makers underscores the global commitment to advancing human rights and sustainable development across various sectors.
The UN SDG Action Awards recognize exceptional contributions in nine categories, and Mashayamombe’s nomination reflects her outstanding achievements in the realm of gender equality and empowerment. Her journey to Rome represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the ongoing global struggle for women’s rights and social justice. As Mashayamombe prepares for the awards ceremony, her nomination serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have in driving meaningful change and inspiring others to join the movement towards a more just and equitable world.
In other news – 21 children confirmed dead in Kenya school fire
The number of children who perished in a devastating fire at a school dormitory in central Kenya has risen to 21, as confirmed by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Saturday. The tragic incident, which occurred on the night of August 29, 2024, has shocked the nation and left many families in deep mourning.
The fire broke out at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, which was housing 156 boys aged between 10 and 14. By Saturday, officials had accounted for more than 100 boys, but the search for the remaining students continues. Read More
