WE Act For Her (WAFH) founder Tsitsi Chitsike driven by a passion for helping the underprivileged, has established awards to recognize the outstanding work by humanitarian activists.
Chitsike, along with her colleague Saliwe Mtetwa-Zakariya of Talia Women's Network, envisioned the creation of the We Act Zimbabwe Awards to honour non-governmental organizations (NGOs) making a significant impact.
In an interview with Standard Style, Chitsike explained that her genuine concern for the underprivileged inspired the awards.
She expressed admiration for the tireless efforts of her colleagues from various NPOs and NGOs, acknowledging their dedication to improving the lives of others. At the awards dinner, she emphasized that "in development or humanitarian work, there is no loser, just winners pushing their passion."
Chitsike's passion stems from her desire to empower disadvantaged people, particularly young girls, in her community. She highlighted the detrimental effects of drug abuse, the importance of menstrual health education, and the need to promote healthy sexual practices.
"It is my wish to save the youth and the girl child and present to the world the power of a woman," she asserted. "And such initiatives should start from the grassroots rather than talk about these at a later stage."
Beyond tackling period poverty, WAFH also aims to contribute to a healthy nation by creating jobs, promoting community development, reducing the carbon footprint, and minimizing sanitary wear imports. These efforts not only improve lives but also positively impact the country's economy, aligning with Vision 2023.
Chitsike encouraged NGOs to collaborate with their relevant government ministry to ensure that their work aligns with national goals.
Meanwhile, Zakariya acknowledged the funding challenges faced by many small organisations and emphasised the need for support to enable them to carry out their crucial work effectively.
The establishment of the We Act Zimbabwe Awards serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment by Chitsike and her colleagues to recognise and support humanitarian activists. Their dedication to empowering disadvantaged communities is truly inspiring.