Zimbabwe is continually grappling with not only the onslaught of HIV and AIDS, unemployment, and with increased numbers of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). Many interventions have been instituted in Zimbabwe to mitigate the impact of the AIDS pandemic on these orphaned children. One example is “The Zimbabwe National Action Plan” for Orphaned and vulnerable children (0-18 years) under the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare. Although such efforts are having a tremendous impact on these indigent children, little efforts have been directing towards children above 18 years. It is therefore not uncommon that most girls’ wish after finishing school is getting married to older men rendering themselves more vulnerable to contracting HIV, STIs and other diseases. In light of the above RGC is coming in to close this gap.

RGC’s uniqueness comes from its ability to transform a young disadvantaged girl and young woman whose future would otherwise be hopeless into an individual who can contribute meaningfully to her future and that of her immediate family members and the community. The services offered by RGC prepare the girls for a better future, giving them confidence and skills to participate actively at the same footing with men in economic and social spheres. RGC demystifies the poignant notion ingrained in young girls that they are perpetual dependants (patriarchy teaches them that they depend on their fathers when young and on their husbands when married). Apart from trembling on the rights of women, this scenario actually provides a fertile ground for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that economically independent women have more power to negotiate for safer sex (and also the power to say no to unwanted sex) than their economically dependent counterparts. It is this thinking that makes RGC firmly convinced that it is playing a major role in fighting the AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe. And equipping young women to live independent lives.