WCoZ Gweru Chapter Elects New Leadership, Sets 2026 Empowerment Agenda

Gweru - The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) Gweru Chapter has reaffirmed its leadership and strategic direction following an elective Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The proceedings, which drew more than 60 delegates from across the Midlands province, marked the transition into a new biennial term characterised by a renewed focus on economic self-reliance and the protection of women’s rights.

In a show of confidence from the membership, incumbent Chairperson Merjury Makunere was retained uncontested to lead the chapter for the next two years.

The election, described by observers as peaceful and transparent, also saw the election of Takudzwa Tobaiwa as Vice Chairperson, Hilda Masomere was also retained uncontested as Treasurer and Tabeth Magigwana elected the Chairperson of the Young Women’s Forum. 

Primrose Mlizane was also retained uncontested as Secretary, while Vongai Chinho was elected as the focal person for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The elective process marks a continuation of the chapter’s "zero-budget" resilience strategy, a model that has allowed the movement to remain active despite limited external financial support.

Addressing the gathering following her re-election, Makunere said the chapter's success was rooted in collective action rather than individual leadership.

"I welcome your trust in me again for the last time; this is my second term for the next two years," Makunere stated.

"This is not by our strength as leadership but ours together, which makes us move forward. We will keep going forward so that the voice of women can be heard," she said.

Re-elected as WCoZ Gweru Chapter Chairperson, Merjury Makunere (standing)

The Chairperson’s annual report highlighted a year of significant grassroots impact, particularly through "unfunded" community-based activities.

Despite the lack of a formal budget, the chapter successfully implemented training programs in mushroom production, detergent-making and beekeeping.

The initiatives reached over 100 participants in rural areas, bridging the gap between urban and rural membership and providing practical livelihoods to combat poverty.

Beyond economic empowerment, the chapter maintained a robust advocacy presence within local governance.

Throughout 2025, Makunere said members actively participated in Gweru City Council budget consultations, lobbying for the reduction of emergency health costs.

A primary focus of their advocacy was the challenging of ambulance fees, which stood at US$30 for immediate payment and US$60 for credit accounts, alongside campaigning for safer, harassment-free workplaces for women.

The inclusion of young women and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) remain central to the chapter’s 2026 mandate.

The newly elected Chairperson of the Young Women’s Forum, Tabeth Magigwana, outlined a rigorous agenda aimed at ending economic dependence, which she identified as a primary driver of exploitation and drug abuse among the youth.

"As young women, you know these days we have an unemployment problem, so we are here to uplift each other, do income-generating projects and have our own livelihoods, which also helps prevent gender-based violence," Magigwana said.

"It also helps us not depend on men economically, or depending on 'bae allowances' as it is said these days," she said.

WCoZ Gweru Chapter newly elected Young Women's Forum Chaiperson, Tabeth Magigwana 

Magigwana further challenged young women to move away from high-risk survival strategies and embrace vocational skills to maintain their dignity and independence.

"We know there are those using their bodies to earn a living but we are saying as young women, including those without qualifications, if we come together with the little that we have, we will be empowered," she added.

"What is important is to use our hands, not sit on them. We know there are sugar daddies all over out there, and as girls we want to be spoiled because of laziness, but we are saying we as young women don't want to be lazy. We want to use our hands and prevent any form of oppression," she said.

The transition also acknowledged the dedicated service of the outgoing committee, which included Vice Chairperson Tendai Marobana and Nyasha Mahwende, who served as the representative for Women with Disabilities.

Some of the WCoZ Gweru Chapter members who took part in the elective AGM

The chapter’s extensive reach into the Midlands was facilitated by focal persons Angeline Khumalo in Lower Gweru, Prisca Masvaure in Chiwundura, Lillian Muchiuno in Shurugwi and another in Mvuma, all of whom played pivotal roles in coordinating regional activities.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Gweru Chapter plans to expand its rural outreach and strengthen its documentation of local achievements.

While challenges such as transport costs and a reliance on member subscriptions persist, the leadership says it remains committed to the WCoZ Election Policy and Standard Operating Procedures.

The chapter intends to leverage strategic partnerships to increase its visibility, ensuring that women’s voices remain central to the civic and economic life of the Gweru chapter.

WATCH as the newly elected Chaipersons speak on their new mandates