Girls in STEM Trust (GIST), in partnership with Old Mutual, has empowered over 1,600 girls and young women through a transformative three-day Financial Literacy Training held in Bulawayo from 21 to 23 May 2025. Specifically tailored for high school and tertiary students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the training aims to bridge the critical financial literacy gap while nurturing the next generation of confident, financially savvy female leaders in Zimbabwe.

The initiative is delivered under Old Mutual’s flagship “On The Money” programme, a financial education platform that has positively impacted communities across the country for more than a decade. Now in its fourth consecutive year of collaboration with GIST, the programme continues to grow in reach and relevance, focusing on empowering girls with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate their personal and professional financial futures.

Speaking at the official opening on 21 May at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo, GIST Founder and Director, Victoria Nxumalo, highlighted the importance of financial education as a foundation for independence and resilience. 

“This is not just an event. It is a statement that says we are investing in knowledge, in leadership, and most importantly, in the future of our girls,” Nxumalo said.

She went on to say, “True empowerment must go beyond textbooks and laboratories. It must include the skills that allow our girls to stand tall in every sphere of life, how they manage their resources, make informed decisions, and build their independence.”

For three days, participants engaged in highly interactive sessions covering budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future. The training also featured group activities, discussions, mentorship opportunities, and testimonies from past beneficiaries of the programme who have since progressed in both STEM and entrepreneurial careers.

The training comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean women. Despite comprising 55 percent of the population, women continue to face disproportionate barriers to financial inclusion. This initiative tackles that disparity directly, equipping young women with tools not just to survive, but to thrive. It also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Old Mutual’s commitment to this cause is rooted in its broader vision for sustainable community development. Business Development and Stakeholder Manager, Gladys Bugalo, underscored this in her remarks,

“At Old Mutual, we understand that financial education is not just a tool, but a transformative power. Our ‘On The Money’ programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering communities with the knowledge and skills to take control of their financial futures. By fostering financial literacy, we are not just building a foundation for individual prosperity, but paving the way for a brighter, more secure future for entire communities.”

Bugalo also noted the increasing impact of digital platforms like TikTok in making STEM and finance engaging and relatable for young audiences. She stressed that financial knowledge complements the technical expertise young women gain in STEM, making them better prepared for future leadership roles in industry and society.

Beyond education, the  training fostered an inclusive environment of mentorship and networking, allowing girls to connect with peers, role models, and industry professionals. It also served as a space where participants were encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and see themselves as active agents of change.

Victoria Nxumalo closed the first day by acknowledging the transformative nature of the partnership with Old Mutual, “You have brought not just resources, but vision, commitment, and deep respect for the communities we serve.”

In her concluding remarks, Bugalo urged all participants to make the most of the experience: 

“Seize this opportunity to break barriers, build confidence, and connect with a network of ambitious young women who will shape the future of Zimbabwe and beyond.”