In a major push to advance gender equality and national development, the Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA) has launched a free driving programme targeting 10 000 girls across the country this year.
The ambitious initiative, launched in Bulawayo yesterday, aims to equip young women with provisional licences and road safety education, directly tackling unemployment and social challenges while fast-tracking skills development in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“Our target is crystal clear: to reach 10 000 beneficiaries with road traffic safety and provisional licence training in 2026,” said Mrs Mabhena.
“We believe this will inspire more and more girls to contribute to the national driving skills set.”
Mrs Mabhena said the programme is a direct investment in national progress.
“No nation can develop if 52 percent of its population is left on the sidelines.
“Today, we are putting wheels on the President’s vision.”
The national rollout is designed to be inclusive.
“The idea is to reach less-exposed cities and towns across the country, as intended by Vision 2030. All 10 provinces will benefit,” she said, adding that Masvingo Province will be the next stop.
The programme is a critical step towards a long-term goal.
“ZLGCA is inspired by Vision 2030 and therefore aims to reach at least 50 000 girls nationwide by 2030,” she added, noting that impact reviews would guide the ongoing strategy.
To ensure success beyond the training phase, Mrs Mabhena outlined plans for sustained support.
“We will create driver training clubs to help the girls secure their full driver’s licences. We have noted that, on average, it takes at least two provisional licences before most girls succeed due to lack of funds and mentorship. ZLGCA intends to walk with the girls.”
She said the driving initiative is part of a broader, holistic empowerment programme for the girl child.
“For the year 2026, ZLGCA will continue to roll out practical livelihood skills training in areas such as agriculture, mining, ICTs and many others.
“Additionally, life-skills training will be provided in financial literacy, emotional intelligence, first aid, business skills and goal setting.”
Mrs Mabhena directly linked driving skills to addressing two major social challenges.
“The two key factors drawing girls into substance abuse and early marriages are idleness and poverty. Provisional licence training provides girls with opportunities for gainful employment, potentially addressing these challenges. Whether they are professionals, unskilled workers or entrepreneurs, driving gives girls advantages that draw them further away from these risks.”
To realise the nationwide vision, Mrs Mabhena appealed for partnerships.
“To fulfil this initiative, ZLGCA calls upon all those who believe in the empowerment of the girl child to assist us with cash, fuel, small vehicles and other donations.
“Vehicles for our girls’ clubs will certainly ensure these dreams are realised.”
She said the launch marks a clear trajectory: equipping 10 000 girls this year is the first gear in a long journey towards 2030, aiming not just for licences, but for liberation from poverty, idleness and vulnerability, and the building of a generation of skilled, mobile and empowered young women.
