Betty Makoni
Betty Makoni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 22 June 1971 |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Alma mater | University of Zimbabwe |
| Known for | Gender Activism |
| Website | muzvarebettymakoni |
Hazviperi Betty Makoni is a Zimbabwean women's rights activist who in 1999 founded the Girl Child Network, a charity which supports Zimbabwe's young sex abuse victims. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls and provided mentoring to at least 60,000 girls around Zimbabwe.[1][2] She earned two degrees from the University of Zimbabwe, and has been awarded numerous national and international awards. Orphaned as a child and sexually abused,[3] Makoni is the principal subject in the documentary film, Tapestries of Hope.
Early life[edit]
Makoni grew up in St Mary's in the suburb of Chitungwiza. When she was six, Makoni was raped at knifepoint by a shopkeeper in her neighborhood who believed that raping virgins brings luck. Her mother died in a domestic violence incident when Makoni was nine. She was forced to raise herself alongside five siblings by working at a mission school.
Career[edit]
Makoni became a teacher after she received her university diploma. In 2000 she began permanently volunteering for the Girl Child Network.[2] Many regional country's organizations have replicated the model implemented by Girl Child Network.[2] In 2012 her autobiography Never Again was published. The book was launched in Essex on 13 April 2013.
Accolades[edit]
In 2003 the Women's World Summit Foundation awarded Makoni with the Prize for Women's Creativity in Rural Life.[4] In 2007, Makoni won the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child.[5] In 2008, Amnesty International awarded her its Ginetta Sagan Award for her work with the GCN.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Makoni left Zimbabwe in 2008, following torture threats. She now lives in England.[7] She is married with three children.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Child rape survivor saves 'virgin myth' victims". CNN. 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2009-12-27.
- ^ a b c "The Truth About: Betty Makoni". New Zimbabwe. 13 October 2009. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ "Child Rights Activist Betty Makoni "Lights Up the Dark" for Abused and Disadvantaged Young Girls". Archived from the original on 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2010-01-01.
- ^ Pradervand, Elly. "Series on Women Changing the World: Betty Makoni, Zimbabwe". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ "Betty Makoni". World's Children's Prize. 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "Ginetta Sagan Award Winners". Amnesty International. 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "The Truth About: Betty Makoni". Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ "Betty Makoni shines in Hollywood, another award". Archived from the original on 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2009-12-27.
External links[edit]
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