In a resounding victory for community-driven solutions and audacious dreams, UNFPA Zimbabwe's "Not-in-My-Village" Campaign has emerged as a winner at the 2023 UNFPA Innovation Fair. This victory, under the "Dare to Dream" category, highlights the immense potential of community-driven solutions in tackling the critical issue of adolescent pregnancy.
Driven by the Young People's Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV and AIDS, the "Not-in-My-Village" takes a unique approach by engaging traditional leaders and key opinion figures as champions for positive change. The campaign acknowledges the vital role these individuals play in shaping community norms and values, and aims to harness their influence to create a supportive environment for adolescent girls and is an inspiring response to the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancy in Zimbabwe
The stark reality confronting Zimbabwe paints a grim picture. Adolescent pregnancy rates are alarming, with around 355,000 girls aged 10-19 falling pregnant between 2019 and 2022. A staggering 25% of maternal deaths occur among adolescents, and the Adolescent Birth Rate stands at a concerning 108 per 1000, with projections indicating a further rise. These statistics paint a devastating portrait, robbing countless girls of their potential and futures.
Undeterred by the magnitude of the challenge, "Not-in-My-Village" will strategically target two districts heavily burdened by adolescent pregnancy, engaging six Chiefs, 10 Headmen, 12 Village Heads, and 18 Community Opinion Leaders. This diverse group, united by a shared vision of a brighter future for girls, embarks on a collaborative journey of co-creation. The method involves the development and implementation of Community Action Plans (CAPs) and monitoring tools, created jointly by traditional and opinion leaders along with young people. These plans are tailored based on what these groups believe to be the most effective strategies and monitoring mechanisms to address and track adolescent pregnancy in their communities.
The "Dare to Dream" award recognizes the immense potential of this approach. This campaign is not merely an intervention; it's a cultural shift, a revolution driven from within. By empowering traditional leaders and young people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, "Not-in-My-Village" has the power to dismantle harmful gender norms, break down taboos, and foster a culture of open dialogue and support for girls. It champions girls' holistic well-being, ensuring they receive the education, healthcare, and opportunities they deserve to thrive. This resonates deeply with UNFPA's core mission, making the "Not-in-My-Village" campaign a true embodiment of its values.
With the lessons learned from this pilot, "Not-in-My-Village" holds the promise of impactful scaling-up, bringing its transformative power to reach more communities and more girls, and ultimately, transforming the landscape of adolescent health in Zimbabwe. UNFPA Zimbabwe celebrates this well-deserved recognition, and stands firmly behind the young people and traditional leaders driving this innovative campaign. Together, we dream big for a future where every girl can claim her right to health, education, and a life free from adolescent pregnancy.
The award represents a significant milestone for UNFPA Zimbabwe, setting a precedent for future innovative approaches in addressing complex social challenges. As the UNFPA continues its journey, the “Not-In-My-Village” Campaign stands as a testament to the power of daring to dream big and the impact of innovative, community-driven solutions in creating a brighter future for all.
By Rufaro Kaviya
