“The conditions were appalling.”

Dr. Rita Nyampinga has been arrested many times. A lifelong activist and trade unionist in Zimbabwe, her campaigning work often led to a night in a prison cell.

“The conditions were appalling.” Rita says. Crowded cells with poor sanitation. Women incarcerated with their babies and young children, forced to share meagre rations.

It was witnessing these conditions that led Rita and a group of fellow activists to establish the Female Prisoners Support Trust (FEMPRIST). “That's how it all started. It was out of empathy” she says.

149 compassionate supporters have already donated £22,684 to our Big Give challenge for FEMPRIST and women leaving prison in Zimbabwe. But we're still £30,316 short with just 4 days left. Your gift today will be doubled, helping Rita push for better conditions for female prisoners in Zimbabwe.

I’ll chip in £25 - and have it doubled to £50!

I’ll chip in £50 - and have it doubled to £100!

I’ll chip in £75 - and have it doubled to £150!

I’ll chip in a different amount - and have it doubled!

Rita and her friends worked for eight years without pay to improve the conditions for women in prison in Zimbabwe. Recognising their impact, Womankind was first to fund their work in 2019.

Initially, FEMPRIST focused on visiting women and girls in prison – helping them to feel less abandoned by their families and society at large. They provided care packages of basic period products and toiletries as most women entered prison with nothing.

Honestly, the FEMPRIST team are so committed, it’s incredible what they have achieved just a few years after Womankind’s initial support. They campaigned for an open prison to meet the needs of female prisoners and the children held with them. This was granted in 2023.

FEMPRIST need us to hit this fundraising target so they can expand their support to female prison leavers across Zimbabwe. With additional funds they hope to:

Improve mental health support: providing counselling and peer support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their families to address trauma and promote emotional well-being;
Train prison staff: expanding human rights and gender sensitivity training for prison officers to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of female inmates;
Promote legal and policy reform: advocating for the removal of lifelong criminal records and improved rehabilitation laws through engagement with government ministries and parliament;
Strengthen livelihoods: equipping women leaving prison with practical skills, business training, and market access to start income-generating activities and support their families.
Raise community awareness: holding community meetings and rights training to reduce stigma, build acceptance, and ensure that local leaders support reintegration of ex-prisoners.

FEMPRIST are passionate about their work. We can only imagine the amount of impact they will have for female prisoners across Zimbabwe if we reach our target.

John, donate today. You only have 4 days to have your gift doubled as part of the Big Give. It only takes a minute.

I’ll chip in £25 - and have it doubled to £50!

I’ll chip in £50 - and have it doubled to £100!

I’ll chip in £75 - and have it doubled to £150!

I’ll chip in a different amount - and have it doubled!

Thanks for staying engaged with Womankind Worldwide.

Sierra Schraff Thomas
Programme Manager: Partnerships and Innovation
Womankind Worldwide

Header image: Life-long activist and FEMPRIST founder Dr. Rita Nyampinga (Credit: Charmaine Chitate)

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