In a quiet village in northeastern Zimbabwe, a group of young girls gather barefoot inside a white tent, their voices harmonizing in a chant of “it’s so nice to be here.” This modern-day revival of Nhanga — the traditional “girls’ bedroom” — is transforming an ancient custom once used to prepare girls for marriage into a powerful tool for empowerment.
Led by organizations like the Rozaria Memorial Trust, the new Nhanga movement provides a safe space where girls openly discuss topics such as sexuality, education, gender bias, and economic independence. “This is a safe space, every girl feels free,” says 18-year-old Anita Razo, who joined at 14 and now mentors younger participants.
Today’s Nhangas are not just for conversation but also for learning practical skills like poultry farming and soap making. With elders and officials occasionally joining the discussions, the initiative bridges generations — reclaiming a cultural practice once rooted in patriarchy to empower a new wave of confident, informed, and self-reliant young women.
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