Betty Makoni’s tireless advocacy for girls’ rights has transformed the lives of thousands in Zimbabwe and globally. Awarded The World’s Children’s Prize in 2007, Makoni has dedicated her life to combating abuse, child labor, forced marriages, and gender-based violence through her groundbreaking organization, the Girl Child Network (GCN).
Founded to empower and protect vulnerable girls, GCN has established over 700 girls’ clubs and multiple safe villages across Zimbabwe, reaching more than 30,000 members. These clubs offer a sanctuary where girls receive essential resources—food, clothing, medical care, and education—while fostering resilience and self-worth. The initiative’s success is evident in its expansion to countries like Malawi, Swaziland, and South Africa, and its replication worldwide, thanks to Makoni’s innovative Girl Child Empowerment Model.
Makoni’s commitment stems from her personal experience of surviving abuse. Escaping her past through education, she became a teacher and witnessed the systemic oppression faced by female students. Determined to change this, she founded GCN and courageously spoke out against societal norms and even high-ranking officials involved in abuse. Despite facing harassment and threats, including violent attacks, she remains undeterred.
GCN’s holistic approach includes “Girls At Risk Support Units,” staffed by volunteer counselors, and community “information cafes” that challenge cultural biases. On a larger scale, Makoni continues to advocate for legislative reforms and effective enforcement to protect girls’ rights. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; Makoni has received prestigious awards, including the United Nations Red Ribbon Award and recognition from Newsweek as one of 150 women impacting the world.
