Lisa, CAMFED Association Leader, Zimbabwe

Transforming setbacks into success

5 minute read

I say to young women of my age, ‘The sky’s the limit. There can be setbacks, but if you find your sisterhood, if you are determined, and if you are interested in making a difference in your life, you will be able to reach your goals.’

My name is Lisa, I’m from Buhera in eastern Zimbabwe. I’ve faced many challenges on my education journey, but I am who I am today because of the collective strength of the CAMFED Association — young women educated with CAMFED support who join forces to turn the tide of poverty — who have supported me every step of the way.

My parents died when I was four years old, and I was taken care of by my grandparents. They provided for me as best they could, growing our food and living off the land. When it was time for me to go to secondary school, they could not afford my school fees and other school-going items that I needed. That’s when CAMFED stepped in, supporting me with everything I needed for school. I completed junior high school in 2013 with excellent grades and joined the CAMFED Association network.

It was then I faced some additional challenges, when an unplanned pregnancy halted my progression into senior high school. My Learner Guide (or peer mentor), Madam Tawonekwa, noticed I had stopped attending class and reported it to the Teacher Mentor*, Mrs Mandipasa, to find out the issue. Together with Melody Jori, the CAMFED District Operations Officer for Buhera, they visited me at home and provided me with the assurance that despite having an unplanned pregnancy, I could still complete my education and fulfill my ambitions. I was so grateful for their immense support, which included counseling and practical help like baby clothes, baby food, and other necessities.

It was also when the powerful sisterhood of the CAMFED Association really came in for me. Sisters rallied around me with guidance and encouragement to help me succeed in my life. With this strong support network around me, I gained the courage to continue with my education and passed my final year of senior high school in 2016.

I became a leader when I became a Learner Guide

My experience of nearly dropping out of school influenced my decision and passion to volunteer as a Learner Guide. I wanted to give back and support students the same way my Learner Guide had supported me, so for one year I volunteered every week at my former school, delivering life skills and wellbeing sessions to students.

I also had the opportunity to study for a BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma to enhance my understanding of teaching methods and improve my employability. Taking part in the Learner Guide program solidified my belief in the transformative power of education and inspired me to take my aspirations further.

In 2018, with support from CAMFED, I successfully undertook a four year course in Electrical Power Engineering from Mutare Polytechnical College. On the course I acquired skills in electrical installation, project management, mathematics, electronics, and received practical on-the-job training. I was so proud to achieve my Diploma and graduate into this traditionally male dominated field.

Treading my path to independence

My education and my local chapter of the CAMFED Association in Mutare have been pivotal in my transition to an independent livelihood. We organize many activities that help young women generate an income, including soap making, hairdressing and tailoring. We form cooperatives and train each other with different skills so that we can all earn a living.

After learning more about entrepreneurship from my CAMFED Association sisters, I was inspired to set up an agriculture business. On my farm I grow vegetables like mustard greens, cabbages, onions, carrots, beans, and lettuce. I see farming as both an economic opportunity and a way to improve food security in my community.

However, this venture has certainly not been easy. The severe drought caused by the intensifying El Niño weather phenomenon — affecting much of southern Africa since 2023 — has impacted my business by dramatically reducing crop yields and quality. So far, I am managing to mitigate these effects by implementing climate-smart tactics, like growing drought tolerant crop varieties and using a water reservoir and pipe system to irrigate crops.

With my business profits, I support myself and my family, and vulnerable children in the community. One is a learner in my former secondary school who is living with a disability and has suffered some discrimination. I provided her with school shoes and socks, as well as psychosocial support — encouraging her to study hard. I told her, disability is not inability! I also support vulnerable children with books, school uniforms, pens, shoes, food, and clothing. 

In future, I hope to establish a large thriving horticulture business that is interlinked with electrical engineering services, creating jobs and sustainability. I want to inspire other women in entrepreneurship and help them achieve financial stability and security.

The true definition of sisterhood

My journey to leadership began when I joined the CAMFED Association in 2013, and is still going strong. Having gained confidence and public speaking skills over time, I was elected as my local chapter Chairperson in Mutare in 2019, and again in 2022. In 2023, I stepped up as National Chairperson of the CAMFED Association in Zimbabwe.

In my role as National Chairperson, I am pivotal in providing effective leadership to more than 88,854 members in Zimbabwe. My responsibilities include setting terms for meetings, initiating productive discussions, overseeing the decision making process and ensuring all members are able to contribute their perspectives. I very much enjoy the role, but it can be a challenge to balance the diverse interests of members and ensure we are always working together towards our collective goals.

Here I am speaking at the CAMFED Association Summit in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, December 2023. (Credit: CAMFED/Kumi Media)

I am who I am today because of the collective strength of the CAMFED Association. They have molded me and supported me to become a great woman. They are supporting not only me, but many more sisters who are coming up behind us. They are fearless, and the true definition of sisterhood. If you don’t have a sister, a mother, or a parent to support you — in the CAMFED Association you can find all of that.

A catalyst for change

If I look back on my life experiences, I do not want any other young girl to face the same barriers to education I did. I want every child to complete school without any interruption, because I understand the challenges of a fragmented education.

Education changed my life. I’m now a role model to my family members and to the community. I encourage others to excel and to become great people who can challenge poverty. Now when my community looks at me, they see a determined young woman who has overcome challenges, and come back transformed — with a renewed energy to make a difference. I am a respected, valued person, and very happy to be a successful woman.