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 well-being.
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 effect on the next generation
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.
How ZAWINAH is responding
Through community dialogues, welfare support and scholarship programmes, ZAWINAH works to restore dignity and connection — helping widows remain engaged in community life while ensuring their dependants have a fair chance at education and opportunity.
ZAWINAH Programmes Team