A lot has been said about the importance of investing in girls and ensuring that they are not left behind. One question that has been coming up is what is the return on this investment.
Over the coming weeks, we will showcase some of the amazing stories showing the impact investing in girls will have on our communities, countries, and the world at large.
Sally Ncube – Human rights defender and activist
Sally currently serves as National Coordinator for Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, a national network of individuals and organisations advocating for women and girls rights in Zimbabwe. She contributes to civil society corporate governance as a board member for Women in Politics Support Unit, National Association of NGOs, Zimbabwe Election Support Network, Patsime Trust, and Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
Academically, Sally holds Master of Science in Development Studies and has received a number of awards including the Distinguished Service Award and the Honoured Top Global Women.
A feminist and development practitioner based in Zimbabwe with over a decade expertise in advancing women’s rights & gender equality, leadership, human rights, youth rights, democracy and good governance movement building and capacity development. She has worked in democracy and good governance via working in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Sudan, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Sudan, and Cameroon.
Sally says, “I am a feminist and extrovert with high positive energy who loves life and is a happy soul. In my day-to-day life, I hassle and juggle many identities. I am a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister, a human rights activist, a worker, and a leader.”
Sally founded the Sally Women’s Institute where she currently trains women on leadership, human rights, politics, election processes, lobbying and advocacy, and community mobilisation. Sally believes that empowering women and girls is very important. It strengthens their capacity to assert and enjoy their rights. It opens up doors for professional and personal empowerment.
Asked what were some stumbling blocks she faced as a girl growing up in Zimbabwe, she said, “Mum gave me the best, she ensured that she provided for all educational and nurturing needs which have moulded my personality, career, and personality. However, there were some uncomfortable realities of studying in rural schools. Some of the things which come to mind include; the long distance we had to walk to school, limited textbook availability, lack of electricity which limited your ability to study at night.”
Sally believes that there is a lot which can be done to make the education experience for girls in Zimbabwe better. She highlights the need for more learning institutions, improving safety from all forms of violence in the schools and creating a fund which will allow for the provision of sanitary products. It is these challenges and a passion to promote, defend, protect and advocate for girls and women’s rights towards gender equality that drive her.
She wants to urge all girls to assert and enjoy their rights. Girl UP, take action and invest in lifelong learning as well as a support system to nurture and sustain your growth.
