From July 2019 to January 2020, FSNT—supported by the U.S. Embassy Harare—implemented the “Taking Strides and Setting the Pace Against Gender-Based Violence” (#StepUp) project across tertiary institutions in Harare, Masvingo, and Gwanda. Blending athletics, dialogue, film screenings, and community outreach, the campaign focused on engaging youth, changing harmful perceptions among young men, and amplifying awareness around GBV and sexual harassment.

With more than 1,500 students engaged directly and 40,000+ reached through media, the project sparked campus-level and national conversations. Anchored by the powerful short film “Conversations with Our Fathers”, the campaign challenged patriarchal norms and promoted male allyship. The initiative aligned with the 16 Days of Activism and laid strong groundwork for sustainable, student-led advocacy.