Empowering Communities for Good Governance and Human Rights

The Centre for Applied Legal Research (CALR) is leading a transformative initiative to empower 12 Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across four provinces in Zimbabwe. These CBOs, selected from the Alliance for Community-Based Organisations (ACBOS), represent diverse interests, including residents’ rights, community media, women’s empowerment, disability rights, and environmental protection. With support from the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe (EU), CALR is equipping these organisations with the tools and resources they need to champion good governance and human rights in their communities.

On March 13, 2025, CALR held an inception meeting with the 12 selected CBOs in Harare. The meeting was a platform for CALR and the selected CBOs to map and align their work plans to relate to the collective agenda of promoting good governance and human rights in Zimbabwe.

CALR’s mission is to enhance community participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that marginalised voices are heard and respected. By building the capacity of these 12 CBOs, CALR intends to see these CBOs championing good governance initiatives, promoting human rights and uplifting marginalised communities, ensuring that even those at the periphery are not left behind.

The selected CBOs are:

• Girls and Women Empowerment (GWEN)
• Rural Young Women Support Network (RYWSN)
• Wedza Residents Development Initiative (WERDIT)
• Community Voices Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwe Organisation for Youth in Politics (ZOYP)
• Matobo Youth Development Initiative (MYDI)
• Nkomwa Foundation
• Women Development Association of Zimbabwe (WODAZ)
• Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA)
• Green Institute
• Impact Stories Zimbabwe
• Women for Empowerment and Social Empowerment (WESE)

These organisations are at the forefront of addressing critical issues in their communities, from advocating for gender equality to protecting the environment and promoting disability rights.  With the EU as developmental partner, CALR’s support through ACBOS will enhance the work of the selected CBOs.

In a significant step, CALR, with support from the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, handed over capital equipment to the 12 targeted CBOs. This equipment will enhance their ability to carry out their work effectively, from community outreaches to advocacy and education.

The handover of capital equipment marked a milestone in the project, highlighting the commitment of CALR to strengthening grassroots organisations. The equipment provided includes tools for communication, data collection and community engagement, ensuring that the CBOs can operate efficiently and reach a wider audience.

The initiative by CALR through ACBOS is a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together, CALR, the EU Delegation, and the 12 CBOs are creating a network of empowered organisations capable of driving meaningful change.

Each of the 12 CBOs has a unique story to tell. From GWEN’s work in empowering young women to the Green Institute’s efforts in environmental protection, these organisations are making a tangible difference in their communities.