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Mirta
The entrepreneurship training I received from Gender Links was very enriching. I started believing in myself. During the course I made friends and I have known many people. The training has empowered me a lot. It helped me to understand how to make a business and a business plan. The ways they spoke to us, taught us and explained to us have really encouraged me and self empowered me. I realised that these people do a lot for women. They fight and work for the betterment of women.
I attended all the three phases at Gender Links in October 2014, I could not miss any. What I liked the most during the training was the moment when everyone revealed their secrets. Things that were buried deep in their heart were taken out on that day, shared with people they did not even know and I was one among them. That moment has been engraved in my heart. Everyone shared the problems they were enduring.
Before the training, I was following courses of handicrafts. I can make little dress for dolls by knitting. I can also do painting on household items like pots, glasses and plates. When I get clients for these, I sell them. Sometimes I receive orders to do âjupe segaâ. I always wanted an industrial sewing machine and recently I was able to buy one. I used to work before, but I had to quit because I have health problems. However, my boss still believes in me. When there was heavy work load, I used to go to the factory to help.
This year he gave me more responsibilities. I was assigned to make garments like shorts at the factory. The job is not difficult at all. In addition, Iâm allowed to go to work at any time I want. I seldom do overtime. Iâm happy with my job at present as Iâm able to earn some money.
Moreover, my husband supports me a lot. He does realise that Iâm doing all this for my family. He was an electrician. He lost his job since his company was shut down. He is of great help and sometimes he even prepares dinner when I come late home. He encourages me and is always by my side.
I did not face any violence from my husband. But I did experience sexual harassment from a relative of mine. I never told anyone about this, not even my parents. I could not. My husband is still unaware of this. I have always kept it as a secret. I always felt guilty because I thought maybe I attempted him to do this shameful act. I was only a kid. I walked on the street with
my head bowed down. I was leading a life of embarrassment. When I came to Gender Links, I do not know how but I was able to share this here.
It is not easy to see the person who did such a disgraceful act to me, pretending to be a good person in front of everyone. Also I have to act as if nothing happened. It is very hard for me because I know what I have been through all these years.
Gender Links has helped me to learn how to trust and respect myself and believe in me. They made realise my competence. I do not care what people think about me and when they look at me differently. I can do nothing to change the mindset of people. Now I live for my family.
My dream is to be successful in my business and Iâm sure one day I will be. Moreover, I always wanted to own a car. I intend to buy one in the near future. It will be easier for the delivery of goods.
Sustaining the Movement: Feminist Fundraising in Uncertain Times. #FeministFunding #HumanRights
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) June 5, 2025
đ Link to register: https://t.co/FAI4SdgDhg pic.twitter.com/AcY1BKDTCL
đŁAppel Ă candidatures !
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) June 4, 2025
Le #MarangFund est dĂŠsormais ouvert !#Botswana #Lesotho #Maurice #Madagascar #Namibie
Subventions jusqu'à 50 000⏠disponibles pour soutenir des initiatives LGBTIQ.
Date de clĂ´ture: 30 juin 2025.https://t.co/uuoUTibOh6 pic.twitter.com/I5aH7NRLhg
Call for Applications!
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) June 4, 2025
The #MarangFund is now open! Grants up to âŹ50,000 available to support LGBTIQ-led initiatives in #Botswana #Lesotho #Mauritius #Madagascar #Namibia.
Deadline: 30 June 2025.
Information & Apply: https://t.co/uuoUTibOh6 pic.twitter.com/uWqJc1cPLK
Empowering women, youths & men in @karibamunicipal. Today, Gender Links is supporting entrepreneurs to run successful pay toilet services & market hub through business skills training, market access & financial inclusion. Let us build a thriving local economy. @SwedeninZW pic.twitter.com/1t6PImGafw
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) June 4, 2025
âł Closing soon!
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) June 3, 2025
REMINDER: Weâre seeking a top-tier WordPress dev & designer to rebuild a visually striking, user-first Gender Links website.
đď¸ Closing date: 6 June 2025
đ https://t.co/bxYY7vN3VB
@GenderLinks is empowering communities through inclusive local economic development. Today's workshop in @MurewaRdc brought together women, youths & men from the waste management value chain to discuss growth strategies and market access. @MoLGPWZim SUPPORTED BY: @SwedeninZW pic.twitter.com/ZjH8Q9WOiH
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) May 30, 2025
Day 2 of @GenderLinks workshop in @nortontown is all about empowering local economies. The Fish Farming project is bringing women, men & youths together to drive growth through the Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee. #LocalEconomy @MoLGPWZim SUPPORTED BY: @SwedeninZW pic.twitter.com/s4aFZ81GVo
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) May 28, 2025
đŁCall for Expressions of Interest!
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) May 27, 2025
Weâre seeking a WordPress web design & developer, with expertise to rebuild user-friendly, visually compelling and well-organised Gender Links websites.
Deadline: 6 June 2025
Info & submissionđhttps://t.co/bxYY7vN3VB pic.twitter.com/fed7GfyMFl
Gender Links empowers the @nortontown community through aquaculture capacity building. Today, we are strengthening the Norton Fish Farming Cooperative, supporting women, youths, and men in the aquaculture value chain. #localdevelopment @MoLGPWZim SUPPORTED BY: @SwedeninZW pic.twitter.com/27F314RdfP
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) May 27, 2025
Gender Links empowers the @nortontown community through aquaculture capacity building. Today, we are strengthening the Norton Fish Farming Cooperative, supporting women, youths, and men in the aquaculture value chain. #localdevelopment @MoLGPWZim SUPPORTED BY: @SwedeninZW pic.twitter.com/27F314RdfP
— Gender Links (@GenderLinks) May 27, 2025