Mercy Corps Zimbabwe

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe's Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, recently held a closeout meeting with partner VIRL Financial Services to reflect on their achievements and future plans for enhancing financial inclusion among women in rural communities. The CEDIS program aims to provide tailored financial products to underserved populations, driving growth in the sector. Since the partnership with VIRL Financial Services began in February 2024, the program has made significant achievements, training 15 women agents—exceeding their initial goal of 7. These agents have played a critical role in educating communities about financial products, demonstrating the transformative impact of the initiative on women's empowerment, as highlighted by VIRL’s CEO, Virginia Sibanda. The partnership has successfully facilitated 333 clients in receiving loans, with 64 Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) groups recognized as creditworthy, and loans disbursed to 48 groups in the Mutasa and Mutare districts. The pilot project combined ISAL groups with an agent model to enhance access to finance and support local business growth. Key highlights from the meeting included plans to strengthen agent training, adjust loan sizes, and increase awareness of financial products, with the overarching goal to improve the incomes and resilience of 30,000 vulnerable young women in Bulawayo, Mutare, and Harare over the next four years. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #pathwaytopossibility #womenempowerment #financialservices

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare held a Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) refresher training in Bulawayo from November 4-8, 2024. The training marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the CEDIS program to enhance MEL systems as the project transitions into its scale phase. Over three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions that reinforced their understanding of MEL tools, concepts and principles. The training included practical exercises on reviewing sectoral level result chains, data collection, consolidation, and reporting, ensuring that all team members were equipped with the necessary skills to effectively document processes, assumptions, track project indicators, monitor systems change and contribute towards the overall goal. Key highlights of the training included: • Participants gained hands-on experience with various MEL tools and templates, enhancing their ability to implement effective monitoring systems. • The interactive format fostered open communication and collaboration among team members, allowing them to share insights and best practices. • Practical sessions on data management and evidence consolidation provided participants with essential skills for storing and accessing project documentation efficiently. With the successful completion of this refresher training, participants are well-positioned to improve the quality of our implementation and monitoring processes. The commitment displayed by all participants are commendable, and we look forward to seeing how these enhanced skills will translate into impactful outcomes for the 30,000 vulnerable young women targeted by the CEDIS program. Let’s continue this momentum as we work together to empower young women through sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe! #MELTraining #empowerment #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #pathwaytopossibility

Celebrating Community Empowerment and Impact! We are excited to share that Mercy Corps Zimbabwe was honoured with the Excellence in Community Empowerment and Social Impact Award in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province on the 1st of November 2024, at the Matabeleland Provinces Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards. Mercy Corps Zimbabwe emerged as the winner of the Environmental Stewardship Category. We are equally proud that our partner in waste management under the CEDIS program, Skies Recyclers, received a similar recognition in the same category. This recognition was accorded with support from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution office, reflecting our commitment in implementing sustainable business practices in waste management and fostering supportive working conditions for women, driving lasting change. With support of the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, Mercy Corps Zimbabwe is implementing the Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program across urban and rural areas of Bulawayo, Mutare, and Harare. During the implementation duration of 2022-2024, we aim to empower 30,000 vulnerable young women (70% aged 18-35) by enhancing their incomes, working conditions, and resilience to shocks and stresses. The CEDIS program focuses on three key outcomes: • Increasing earnings for female employees through more work and better pay. • Enhancing business performance for women-led enterprises. • Improving the overall business environment for young women and women-led enterprises. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #CommunityEmpowerment #CEDIS #womenempowerment #sustainability

A Month to Inspire Resilience! #HappyNewMonth! As we welcome November, let’s acknowledge the power of resilience in our lives. It’s the driving force that helps us overcome difficulties and achieve our goals. This month, let’s share stories of resilience—our own and those of others who inspire us. By lifting each other up and sharing our experiences, we can create a network of support that empowers us all to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges we face. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #pathwaytopossibility #ResilienceBuilding

International Day of Rural Women! #MercycorpsZimbabwe #Pathwaytopossibility #womenempowerment

#mondaymotivation: Mondays are a fresh start, a new opportunity to set the tone for the week ahead. Embrace this day with enthusiasm, knowing that each moment is a chance to make progress toward your dreams. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #Pathwaytopossibility

Exciting Visit from Rebecca Theuri Mercy Corps Regional Safeguarding Advisor! We were thrilled to welcome Rebecca Theuri, our Mercy Corps Regional Safeguarding Advisor, during her recent visit to Zimbabwe. Her engagement with our team emphasized the critical importance of integrating safeguarding in all our departments and programs. Rebecca had the opportunity to visit and engage with program participants from both urban and rural program sites in Mutare. There, she heard firsthand from community members about their commitment to safeguarding practices. One of the female business owners from the Urban Food Security and Resilience program shared her dedication to safeguarding issues within her fabric business, highlighting how these principles guide her operations. Additionally, Mr. Mukuze from Tejik Investments under Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program emphasized their strong stance in protection of women and discouraging child labour in their waste management business, reinforcing the need for responsible practices that protect these vulnerable groups. Key Highlights from the Safeguarding sessions facilitated by the Regional Safeguarding Advisor: · The necessity of creating safe spaces for all team members and program participants to thrive. · The importance of training staff and community members on safeguarding policies. · Encouraging transparency and open communication to address safeguarding concerns. · Strategies for community engagement to enhance awareness and adherence to safeguarding practices. Rebecca’s visit was a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the safeguarding policies and core standards as a contribution towards ensuring the well-being of our communities. Together, we can create safer environments for everyone! #Safeguarding #CommunityEngagement

Happy New Month, everyone! As we step into October, let’s remember that resilience is our greatest strength. No matter what challenges we face, we have the power to rise, adapt, and grow. May this month inspire you to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #PathwaytoPossibility

#mondaymotivation: The only true barriers are the ones you create in your mind. Challenge your thoughts and push beyond perceived limits to discover your full potential. #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #PathwaytoPossibility

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Hauna, Mutasa District in Manicaland Province.  #womenempowerment #MercyCorpsZimbabwe #PathwaytoPossibility