FES Zimbabwe

After a long and intense struggle for independence from the racist white-minority government, the struggle for democracy and social justice started and continues until today. Zimbabwe’s history is marked by the marginalisation of big parts of its society. Since then, the culturally rich country with its well educated population has been marked by some of the most severe economic and political crises in Africa. Even today, 14 Million citizens are facing major economic, social and political challenges.

Even after three decades of financial, economic and political turmoil, Zimbabwe needs a profound political reform that focuses on the rule of law, the citizen’s participation in democracy and the strengthening of free and fair elections. Further, economic reforms are vital to support socially just and environmentally sustainable investments in infrastructure, education, health and a business-friendly environment to create decent jobs and promote security and social protection of the informal economy.

The FES office in Zimbabwe supports since more than 40 years progressive actors in trade unions, youth and women’s organisation as well as independent media organisations and cooperates with political institutions (i.e. Parliament, Ministries and other state institutions). Partners and activities in Zimbabwe are linked to the regional and international networks, with an emphasis on socio-ecological transformation, gender justice and democratisation.