Vimbai Kapurura
Vimbai Kapurura tells us that, “I am the Founder and Executive Director of Women Unlimited Eswatini. I am passionate about women’s empowerment and have dedicated my life to advocating for gender equality and uplifting marginalized communities. Originally from Zimbabwe, I’ve worked across both Zimbabwe and Eswatini, driving initiatives focused on leadership, development, and advocacy for women and girls. Through my work, I’ve collaborated with government, private sector, and civil society organizations to address the challenges women face, and I continue to strive for a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.”
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
Well, my journey is one rooted in resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and girls. Originally from Zimbabwe, I founded Women Unlimited in 2012, driven by the stark inequalities I witnessed growing up in a male-dominated household. Raised alongside five of my mother’s brothers, I watched my mother carry the weight of our family on her shoulders, standing tall as the only woman in a world where men often had more opportunities and power. It was through her strength that I first understood the need for women to be economically empowered, and from that moment, I knew I had a role to play in ensuring women thrive.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
Women Unlimited Eswatini is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through a holistic approach that integrates humanitarian action, sustainable development, and peace-building. Our mission is to address the complex and interconnected challenges that women face by focusing on three core pillars: Family Foundations, Climate Change, and Peace-building.
At the heart of our work is the triple nexus approach, which enables us to tackle issues from multiple angles:
Humanitarian: We respond to immediate needs, particularly those related to gender-based violence, economic inequality, and access to basic services. By working with marginalized communities, we ensure that vulnerable women and girls receive the support they need to survive and thrive.
Development: We believe in long-term solutions that empower women economically, socially, and politically. Through capacity-building programs, entrepreneurship training, and leadership development, we equip women with the skills and opportunities to lead change in their communities and beyond.
Peace-building: Conflict and instability disproportionately affect women and girls. Our peace-building initiatives focus on creating safe spaces, fostering dialogue, and advocating for women’s active participation in peace processes. We are also committed to promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda as part of our advocacy efforts.
Overally, The work of Women Unlimited Eswatini has significantly contributed to empowering women and girls by addressing gender inequality, gender-based violence (GBV), and economic disenfranchisement. Through leadership development, skills training, and advocacy, we have helped women become economically self-sufficient and take up leadership roles in their communities. Our efforts to combat GBV have raised awareness, provided support to survivors, and fostered safer environments for women. Additionally, by promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, we ensure women’s participation in peace-building processes, while also integrating climate change adaptation and strengthening family foundations, creating sustainable change in Eswatini.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
The response from the community towards Women Unlimited Eswatini and myself as a person have been overwhelmingly positive. Women across the country have embraced our initiatives, recognizing the organization as a vital platform for empowerment, leadership, and economic independence. The impact of our work has not only been felt by the women we support but also acknowledged by major institutions. In 2024, I was honored with the SheRoe Award by Standard Bank Eswatini, recognizing the significant strides I’ve made in advancing the rights and opportunities of women in Eswatini. Furthermore, from 2021 to 2024, I have received a Certificate of Appreciation for my expert contributions to the Women, Business, and the Law initiative under the World Bank Group, reflecting our broader impact on policy and legal frameworks that support gender equality. These recognitions underscore the trust and confidence consumers and stakeholders have in Women Unlimited’s work and its ongoing contributions to the advancement of women in Eswatini.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
Receiving these recognitions has profoundly impacted my life. The SheRoe Award from Standard Bank Eswatini and the Certificates of Appreciation from the World Bank Group has validated my life’s work and reinforced my belief in the importance of advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. These accolades have opened doors for greater collaboration with key stakeholders, amplifying my voice and the work of Women Unlimited Eswatini on national and international platforms. Personally, they have strengthened my resolve to continue fighting for gender equality, while also inspiring me to mentor the next generation of women leaders. This recognition has not only boosted my confidence but has deepened my commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change for women and girls across Eswatini and beyond.
What are you working on right now?
Personally, I’m working on finishing my Masters in International Relations with Liverpool John Moore University. Well, moving forward, one key focus should be scaling the impact of Women Unlimited Eswatini. With the foundation of successful programs in place, now is the time to strengthen partnerships with international donors, NGOs, and government agencies to secure additional resources for our growth. I’m also thinking of leadership development efforts by introducing mentorship programs that link young women with experienced leaders, fostering a culture of empowerment. Enhancing advocacy for gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment, and climate change adaptation is crucial, especially in influencing policy at both national and regional levels. Using the momentum of my SheRoe Award and my position within the World Bank’s Women, Business, and Law initiative, you can drive significant legislative reforms for gender equality.
Additionally, I want to focus on enhancing the long-term sustainability of Women Unlimited. This includes diversifying funding streams, perhaps through the creation of social enterprises, and engaging corporate sponsors. Developing a robust fundraising strategy that leverages our growing reputation will be essential. Expanding our regional and global networks by connecting with other women’s empowerment movements will further extend our influence. Moreover, strengthening monitoring and evaluation tools will allow us to track program successes more effectively, helping to share those outcomes with stakeholders and secure ongoing support.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
Your dreams are valid, no matter where you come from or the challenges you face. I grew up witnessing inequalities, but I knew in my heart that I had the power to change my narrative—and so do you. Never underestimate the strength and potential you carry within. Every setback is a setup for your breakthrough. When I started Women Unlimited, I had no roadmap, just a burning passion to uplift and empower women. Today, that passion has touched the lives of many, and the journey continues. Remember, leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about believing in your ability to create change, even in the smallest ways. Stand tall, take up space, and know that you are capable of achieving more than you can imagine. We are rewriting the story of women in Eswatini and beyond—together, we will lead, thrive, and create the future we deserve.
Get in touch:
https://womenunllimited.africa
http://www.facebook.com/swaziunlimited
https://www.instagram.com/womenunlimitedeswatini/
https://twitter.com/WomenUnlimited3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/women-unlimited-466377252/