I have been on different platforms where i get to be introduced as “advocate” and people automatically conclude that i am a legal person by profession. Well i enjoy this at times because i get to earn some respect that’s accorded these kind of professionals. To set the record straight, the title came about as a result of the change i have been trying to bring in the rural community of Bindura and beyond. I also utilise any platform to make sure voices of women are heard and conducive spaces as well as supportive structures are created for women to realise and explore their potential to the fullest. Today, the 9th of August 2024, i have made a bold decision to come out in the public and write about some of the milestones i have made in fulfilling my “advocacy” mandate. This action has been inspired by the Gender Links team during our onboarding session which marked the beginning of the woman of the South Speak Out fellowship journey in Harare, Zimbabwe. I love writing and i have always wanted to share my thoughts and milestones with the world using this platform but didn’t know where to start, thanks to GL team and fellow WOSSO fellows for the insigths and motivation. I shall be taking you through how “Advocate Rita’s” journey started, the milestones she has made so far and her aspirations. Allow me to officially announce that, through some of the milestones i have accomplished and the sustainable advocacy potential identified in me, i have been selected to be a Woman of the South Speak Out fellow, where i will be implementing an advocacy plan aimed at pushing for gender equality around Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights in the rural community of Bindura and beyond. Woman of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) is a platform which offers fellowships to young people from the global south and the Asia Pacific who come up with initiatives that influence systems at regional and global platforms. WOSSO is coordinated by Genderlinks, a Southern based NGO commited to ensuring gender equality in all aspects of life in accordance to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol on Gender and Development. More details about WOSSO can be accesed on https://www.wosso.org. I know you are already questioning about how and why I will be doing this. That is going to be part of what i will be sharing going forward and many other aspirations i have as an “advocate”
Looking forward to some vibes from fellow advocates. Let’s catch up in the next article!
By Rita Triboyi, WOSSO Fellow