- Africa Synod House 29/31 Selous Avenue, Harare
- +263 779 356 130
- info@womensocialworkers.co.zw
About Us
About the Institute of Women Social Workers
At the Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW), we are dedicated to advancing gender equality, mental health, and social justice through a holistic and community-centered approach. Founded in 2020 by a collective of passionate women, we work to empower girls, young women, and broader communities across Zimbabwe through advocacy, education, and psychosocial support.
We provide mental health and psychosocial services, career guidance for adolescents and young women, support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and capacity building in mental health. When we are unable to offer direct services, we ensure that individuals are referred and linked to trusted partners who can help.
Through grassroots engagement and research-informed programs, we are creating safe spaces and advancing solutions that center African feminist perspectives and lived experiences.
Our Journey
The Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW) was founded in 2020 as a youth-led feminist organization, officially registered as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) in Zimbabwe. It was born out of a shared vision for gender equality, justice, and community-driven transformation.
From humble beginnings, IWSW has grown into a recognized advocate and service provider in areas of GBV prevention, mental health, psychosocial support, and SRHR education. Through dialogue-based initiatives and capacity-building programs, we are creating long-term, systemic change across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Our Impact: Advancing SRHR, Mental Health, and Gender Equality
The Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW) is building a just Zimbabwe and Africa where women and girls can fully access their rights, health, and dignity. Through partnerships and community-led initiatives, we are transforming lives by:
Our Approach
At the Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW), we believe that lasting change begins at the grassroots and must be guided by the lived realities of women and girls. Our work is rooted in Afrocentric values, feminist principles, and a holistic, intersectional lens that considers the complex layers of identity, culture, and social systems.
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we listen, learn, and co-create with communities—ensuring our interventions are inclusive, respectful, and culturally relevant. Whether we are providing psychosocial support, leading GBV prevention dialogues, or empowering young women economically, we center healing, dignity, and agency in everything we do.
Our signature Hurukuro Model—a dialogue-based, community-driven framework—is one example of how we create safe spaces for reflection, connection, and collective action. This model engages traditional leaders, health workers, youth, and marginalized groups to challenge harmful norms and expand access to critical services.
By combining evidence-based research, community storytelling, and strategic partnerships, our approach ensures that solutions are not only impactful—but sustainable, empowering, and driven by those most affected.
Looking Ahead
We are scaling our impact by expanding safe spaces, strengthening mental health services, advancing policy reform, and investing in women-led economic empowerment. We envision a Zimbabwe and Africa where every woman and girl can access her rights, live with dignity, and thrive.
Learn More or Connect With Us
Want to learn more about our work or explore partnership opportunities? The IWSW team is ready to engage with you—whether you’re an individual seeking support, an organization looking to collaborate, or a donor interested in making a difference.