Strengthening the activities of the Gender and Energy Network of Zimbabwe

The Gender and Energy Network of Zimbabwe (GENEZ) housed at Practical Action Southern Africa, implemented various projects since its formation in 2007. Among these are; developing and disseminating gender and energy information to various parts of Zimbabwe, training of energy technocrats in mainstreaming gender in energy projects and sensitising gender pressure groups on the importance of energy in development for both men and women with support from ENERGIA International. This report summarizes seed funding activities carried out with the support of ENERGIA with the goal of strengthening GENEZ.

Key objectives:

  • Increased visibility to GENEZ objectives, actions and achievements in the country.
  • Improved knowledge sharing amongst stakeholders.
  • Increased access to experts and increased interaction between and among network members.
  • Increased visibility of GENEZ to rural communities.
  • Share experiences and concept notes on gender and energy within the network & with other key stakeholders.

Key results:

  • Produced Interactive DVD with case studies, video and photos
  • Launch of the national network in Zimbabwe Trade Fair in May 2011.
  • Launch of a web page for GENEZ.
  • Published database of experts on gender and energy.
  • Gender and energy toolkit translated to local language.
  • Three case studies were carried out in Zimbabwe on gender in energy projects.

Lessons learned:  

  • The Network members need some motivation in order for them to participate actively. Some members only respond to calls for participation when there is an allowance.
  • Communication between and among members is not always effective through e-mails since some members are from rural environments and yet they are critical in terms of sharing information on energy issues.
  • Energy and gender is still a subtle issue in most areas, especially from the case studies that were conducted by the network. In order to reach a wider community, a massive outreach programme should be designed under a large budget.

GENEZ Seedfunding Report FINAL Zimbabwe final - Download