Golden Girls is a five-member group from Ward 35 of Makoni district. The group comprises five girls (Elizabeth 18 years, Florence 17 years, Shamiso 17 years, Rutendo 17 years, Vimbai 18 years) who are all survivors of abuse with three of them being teen mothers.
Through the FACT Zimbabwe implemented Children Tariro program supported by the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID Zimbabwe), the girls were identified and underwent community apprenticeship in the manufacturing of basic cosmetology, detergent and beverage products. The girls received financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and comprehensive sexuality education that focuses on out-of-school youths teaching them about sexuality, reproductive health, gender, rights, services, and related life skills to build on their health and socio-economic potential.
Upon completing their skills training, the group received start-up kits worth USD$750 for cosmetics production through the Children Tariro Program. The kits include Soda ash, Sulphuric acid, and Lavender perfume spackle petroleum jelly among other ingredients.
To date, the group has managed to produce and brand 200 x 150 grams of petroleum jelly, 2 x 50 kilograms of washing powder, and 60 liters worth of drinks. The Golden Girls will continue to receive further business skills training support through entrepreneurship training, market linkages, and linkage to access micro-finance training from African Development bank as well as Stewart bank.
Trading through cash and batter the girls have managed to secure 600 kilograms of grain and USD$125 in cash. They intend to sell the grain during the pick hunger period of January and February 2022. The girls are enlightened and empowered to fend for their children as well as improve their well-being.