Widows of Zimbabwe's National Heroes, together with their dependents and many vulnerable children, continue to face significant socio-economic challenges including poverty, unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, inadequate social protection, and weak livelihood opportunities. At the same time, the legacy and values of Zimbabwe's liberation heroes require continued preservation and transmission to future generations. ZAWINAH seeks to address these interconnected challenges through integrated social welfare, education, economic empowerment, advocacy, heritage preservation and institutional strengthening programmes that improve the wellbeing of widows, protect vulnerable children and contribute to sustainable national development.
Although Zimbabwe's National Heroes made immense sacrifices in securing the country's independence and laying the foundation for national development, many of their surviving spouses and families continue to face social and economic challenges that undermine their dignity and wellbeing.
Widows of National Heroes often carry the responsibility of raising children and, in many cases, grandchildren following the loss of their spouses. As they grow older, many encounter social isolation, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate recognition of the ongoing contribution they make in preserving the values and legacy of the liberation struggle.
The effects of this exclusion extend beyond the widows themselves to their children and grandchildren. Many young people from these households face barriers to accessing quality education due to financial constraints, limited educational support, and unequal opportunities compared to their peers. Some struggle to afford school fees, uniforms, stationery, transport, digital learning resources and tertiary education costs.