New at THRU-Zim: Parent and Baby Room!

At the end of May, the Parent & Baby Room at the Health Research Unit Zimbabwe was officially opened — a dedicated space located at the office and designed to support working parents. The facility provides a safe and welcoming environment for young children up to the age of 6 to play and rest while their parents attend to their work responsibilities. The room also includes a private breastfeeding and pumping area, as well as facilities for milk and food preparation, and a changing station. These features are intended to support mothers returning to work after maternity leave.

Having a dedicated space for children and babies in the workspace is one of the most effective methods of ensuring work equality and financial stability for parents. In fact, the construction of a child and baby room in office environments is one of the most effective ways to reducing gender pay gaps and foster gender rights. Women are able to return to work environments more quickly and continue focusing on their careers. In terms of sharing the role of parenting, the new child and baby room means that fathers can continue to be involved with their children while they are at work too!

The opening was attended by THRU ZIM staff and new parents, alongside babies who explored the space and gave it an enthusiastic seal of approval.

This initiative was made possible through the contributions of several individuals:

• Special recognition is extended to Dr Nyasha Dzavakwa, who spearheaded the project

• Rumbi Anne Gumbie, who transformed the space into a vibrant, child- friendly environment

• Tendai Muchena, who facilitated procurement of the container and essential equipment.

• Jacqueline Kabongo for her consistent support throughout the project, and

• Ethel Dauya for officiating the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Field Director Jacqueline Kabongo noted: “This is truly something special. When I had my children, this kind of facility did not exist. Seeing this level of support now available to working parents is Award-winning work and reflects important progress towards a more inclusive and supportive workplace.”

The project was made possible through prize funding awarded to Professor Rashida Ferrand and the team by Global Health EDCTP3, in recognition of scientific excellence and leadership in 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda.