Perspectives on agency from adolescent girls in Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe

• In Event: From surviving to thriving: Participatory research with and for girls’ agency in marginalized communities across Africa and Asia

Proposal

The study examined how girls living in the mining community of Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe, understand and experience agency. It explored the challenges they face and identified strategies to strengthen their ability to shape their lives and communities. In Zvishavane, girls describe agency using the Shona word kurongeka, which means a way of being and acting that benefits oneself, family, and community. Their view of agency is deeply rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy, particularly the concept of hunhu (character), highlighting the importance of exercising the “right” kind of agency. The girls’ agency serves both developmental and protective purposes, as they actively seek out opportunities that help them to achieve their goals while avoiding harmful influences and spaces. Key aspects of their agency include personal qualities like responsibility, resilience, self and community awareness as well as maintaining strong relationships with female friends, family members, and community women. These relationships provide guidance, role models, emotional and economic support.

Authors

• Pamhidzayi Berejena Mhongera, University of Johannesburg

• Ellen Chigwanda, Care Zimbabwe