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Three Years of Advancing Women’s Voice, Leadership and Accountable Governance: ZWRCN’s EoS Journey (2023-2026)

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  • Three Years of Advancing Women’s Voice, Leadership and Accountable Governance: ZWRCN’s EoS Journey (2023-2026)
  • June 29, 2026

ZWRCN has proudly partnered with Diakonia under the EoS Program to strengthen women’s participation in governance, promote accountability and advance gender-responsive service delivery in Zimbabwe.

Working closely with local authorities in Shurugwi and Zvishavane, the program empowered women and young women to actively engage in budget consultations, community dialogues and decision-making processes. Through the Gender Facilitator model, women gained the confidence, skills and platforms needed to influence local development priorities and hold duty bearers accountable.

At the national level, ZWRCN collaborated with female parliamentarians and key stakeholders to promote gender-responsive budgeting and advocate for policies that respond to the needs and priorities of women and girls.

The program also strengthened digital inclusion, leadership and civic participation, creating lasting networks of empowered women leaders, informed citizens and responsive institutions.

As the EoS Program closes, ZWRCN celebrates the partnerships, achievements and collective efforts that have contributed to more inclusive governance and stronger citizen participation. The knowledge, structures and leadership developed through the program will continue to drive positive change in communities long after the project has ended.

 

Renewed Partnership: ZWRCN and Parliament of Zimbabwe

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Maryliyn Mucherera is a dynamic and passionate development practitioner with over 5 years of experience in advancing women's rights and gender equality. Holding a bachelor’s degree in development studies and a master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Maryliyn combines academic knowledge with practical expertise in feminist advocacy, community development, and program management.

Currently serving as a Programmes Officer at the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN) having joined the organisation in 2019, Maryliyn has played a key role in the design, coordination, and implementation of various programs aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equity. During her tenure at ZWRCN, she has successfully led initiatives to strengthen women's participation in local governance, supported the development of gender-responsive policies, and encouraged civic engagement among women and youth.

Her expertise extends to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs, designing and facilitating impactful training, and managing strategic partnerships with government entities, NGOs, and local communities. Some of her notable accomplishments at ZWRCN include leading the production of a snapshot of service delivery challenges, documenting the experiences of women cross-border traders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and overseeing the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) baseline survey.

Maryliyn’s career is also marked by her work as a Research Consultant with ICAP on Zimbabwe’s Population-based HIV Impact Assessment and her volunteer experience with the Cancer Centre Association, where she conducted cancer awareness campaigns and supported fundraising activities.

With a strong foundation in community entry, data collection, report writing, and social media content development, Maryliyn continues to make significant contributions to gender equality and social inclusion across Zimbabwe. Her work exemplifies a deep commitment to improving the lives of women and marginalized communities.

Bio comes here...

Yemurai Nyamutswa is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and taxation. She currently serves as a Senior Manager at Belta Chartered Accountants. Yemurai's professional journey began at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where she rose through the ranks from an associate to a supervisor. Prior to PwC, she worked as a revenue officer at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for 5 years. Academically, Yemurai holds a Bachelor of Degree Honors in Banking and Finance, a Bachelor of Applied Accounting degree from Oxford Brookes University, and a Master in Professional Accountancy degree from the University of London.

She has also recently become a certified internal auditor (CIA) and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Zimbabwe and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Yemurai's commitment to excellence is evident in her achievements, as she placed in the top 10 in two of her qualifying examinations for the Chartered Accountant in Zimbabwe (CA(Z)) designation. Additionally, she is passionate about mentoring young women in the field of accounting and finance.

Pamela Mhlanga is a true trailblazer in the legal and development spheres. With her Master of Laws (LLM) in Law in Development from the prestigious University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Botswana, Pamela has carved out an extraordinary career spanning over three decades. Her extensive expertise ranges from serving as an Attorney at Law in the Courts of Botswana to her acclaimed work as a consultant, technical advisor, and gender expert for prestigious organizations like UN Women, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the Southern African Development Community.

Pamela's unwavering commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality is exemplified through her strategic leadership in initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Feminist Forum Convening and her role as a technical backstop for the Zimbabwe Women's Bureau Board. Pamela's depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and passion for driving impactful change would make her an invaluable asset to any board, poised to shape transformative policies and initiatives that address the complex challenges facing our world.

Sunungurai Chingarande is a renowned Professor of Sociology, holding a PhD, a Master of Science, and a BSc Honours in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe. Since 2021, she has served as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious Women's University in Africa, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to this, she held the position of Vice Chancellor at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and served as a Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Sociology Department at the University of Zimbabwe.

Professor Chingarande's impressive record of achievements extends beyond academia, as she is the Zimbabwe representative on the African Vice Chancellors' Forum, a member of the International Association of Universities board, a council member of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, and a board member for several prestigious organizations, including the Centre for Zimbabwean Studies at Rhodes University, the Forum for African Women Educationalists, and the SAFAIDS regional advisory group.

Moreover, she is a gender equality expert for the African Group of Negotiators and a focal person for Zimbabwe in various USAID-funded projects, showcasing her diverse expertise and commitment to addressing critical issues in education, gender, and development. Professor Chingarande's outstanding contributions as an educationalist and administrator have been widely recognized, earning her numerous awards and accolades throughout her distinguished career.

Nyasha Sengayi is a distinguished Public Policy Analyst and Campaign Strategist with an exemplary track record in enhancing women's health outcomes and improving communication systems within public policy and gender-related transformation. As a highly sought-after expert, she has amassed significant expertise in designing context-specific, campaign-based programs to promote women's rights, collaborating closely with both local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Nyasha's notable career achievements include the design and implementation of prominent campaigns such as V-Day and the One Billion Rising Campaign in Southern Africa, which have had a tangible impact on raising awareness and driving positive change. Recognized as an acknowledged expert in the field of Gender Equality, Disability, and Inclusion (GEDI), Nyasha ensures that disability inclusion is a crucial component of her comprehensive programming efforts. Her extensive skillset encompasses campaign design, report writing, evaluations, public policy analysis, impact assessments, and policy advisory work with government entities, making her an invaluable asset on any board.

Nyasha's commitment to impactful gender-focused work is further demonstrated through her expertise in survivor-centred approaches, conceptual and empirical research, organizational strategy development, process facilitation, and the development of manuals and curricula. Nyasha's holistic understanding of the complexities surrounding women's empowerment and gender equity, combined with her proven track record of delivering transformative initiatives, positions her as a trailblazer in the realm of public policy and gender-related advocacy, making her an exceptional addition to any board.

Bio comes here...

Mavis Samutumwa is a dedicated and safety-conscious driver with over 15 years of experience in the development and NGO sector. She holds a Class 4 driver’s license and is committed to reliable, professional, and safe transport services. Mavis brings valuable experience from her previous roles at the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and the Zimbabwe Women's Bureau (ZWB), as well as serving as a personal driver to various individuals.

Her background has equipped her with strong knowledge of defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, and customer service. Beyond driving, Mavis holds a Certificate in Receptionist Duties and a Certificate in Information and Communication Technology. These skills enable her to provide effective administrative and front-office support when needed. At the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN), Mavis is committed to supporting the team’s work by ensuring safe mobility, punctuality, and professionalism in all her duties.

Felix Musaitehasha is a committed and multi-skilled team member at the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN). He joined ZWRCN in 2003 as an Office Orderly and since January 2026 has also taken on the role of Bookkeeper. Felix holds a Certificate in Bookkeeping. He brings over 20 years of experience in office support and administration. Prior to ZWRCN, he worked with Inter Press Service in 1993 as an Office Orderly, and with Saba News, where he was responsible for facilitating news dissemination across SADC radio stations. He also served in the Security sector from 1990 to 1993 with Guard Alert.

With his dedication, reliability, and attention to detail. At ZWRCN, Felix ensures a clean, safe, and well-maintained office environment while supporting the finance team with bookkeeping, financial documentation, and asset management. His reliability and attention to detail help keep ZWRCN’s operations running smoothly. Beyond his work at ZWRCN, Felix is an entrepreneur with a passion for agriculture and creativity. He is a chicken farmer, flower grower, and flower pot maker.

Simms M Mapota is an experienced professional with a strong background in web development and project management. Over the years, he has honed his skills in creating and managing websites, working with clients from various industries. His experience ranges from developing and optimizing web applications to managing complex projects and ensuring smooth communication between teams and clients. Simms has a talent for transforming ideas into functional designs and working with clients to ensure their vision is realized.

His ability to train clients and provide clear, effective technical guidance has been a key aspect of his work. As a Communications Consultant, Simms leverages his expertise in managing projects and collaborating with teams to ensure effective communication within organizations. His skills in public speaking, writing technical documents, and training clients position him to handle diverse communication challenges.

Vicky Saruchera is a dedicated and research-oriented development practitioner with 4 years of experience. She has a strong passion for community development. With a degree in Development Studies, Vicky possesses expertise in areas such as children's rights, gender equality, GBV programming, and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

Currently serving as the Programs and Admin Associate at the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN), Vicky leverages her expertise gained from previous roles at Bethany Project, Shamwari Yemwanasikana, and Boost Fellowship at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. Her experience has equipped her with a unique understanding of community needs and the ability to design and implement effective programs.

Vicky's skills include project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. As a committed advocate for social justice, Vicky is driven to harness her skills and knowledge to promote equality, empower marginalized communities, and drive positive change.

Shylet Chizenga is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with over 5 years of experience, including significant expertise in administration, financial management, and compliance within the NGO sector. Currently serving as a Finance Officer at the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network, she oversees financial reporting, budget management, and compliance with IFRS standards.

Holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honors Degree in Accounting from Great Zimbabwe University and ongoing professional development through the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). She is committed to maintaining high standards of financial integrity and compliance. Her dedication to building donor confidence and improving financial processes has consistently resulted in successful audits and donor compliance. In addition to her professional achievements, she is also committed to continuous improvement and effective communication, making her a valuable asset in her financial management role.

Thokozile Ruzvidzo is currently the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network.
She is the immediate past Director of the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). She retired in September 2021. In her position as Director, she led the ECA’s work on Poverty, Social Protection, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Employment, Youth, Migration, Urbanization and various other aspects of Social Development. The Division led the research and policy support to African member States in the above-mentioned areas of work, as well as in responding to COVID-19 and putting in place measures to build back better. The work of the ECA in gender equality and women’s empowerment fell under her stewardship. She led the development of the groundbreaking on the African Gender and Development Index, that measures African member States level of implementing the regional and Global agreements that they are signatory to.

Her areas of expertise include policy research, strategic planning, strategic partnerships advocacy, inter-governmental negotiations, organizational development and management administration. Thokozile has over the last 40 years held leadership positions in various institutions. She is the former Board Chair of UNESCO International Institute for Capacity-Building in Africa and Akina Mama wa Afrika, and a member of the Union of International Associations. Prior to joining ECA, she worked as a consultant in gender equality and women’s empowerment, organisational development and social development, also as Executive Director/ Founder of the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network, a non-governmental organization. She worked at senior levels in the Government of Zimbabwe. Thokozile is also an international consultant on Gender and Social Policy.
As a gender expert she has country, regional, continental and international experience. She works extensively on women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her work on the African Continent has made her aware of the critical dimensions around gender equality and women’s empowerment in different sectors.

Maryliyn Mucherera is a dynamic and passionate development practitioner with over 5 years of experience in advancing women's rights and gender equality. Holding a bachelor’s degree in development studies and a master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Maryliyn combines academic knowledge with practical expertise in feminist advocacy, community development, and program management.

Currently serving as a Programmes Officer at the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN) having joined the organisation in 2019, Maryliyn has played a key role in the design, coordination, and implementation of various programs aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equity. During her tenure at ZWRCN, she has successfully led initiatives to strengthen women's participation in local governance, supported the development of gender-responsive policies, and encouraged civic engagement among women and youth.

Her expertise extends to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs, designing and facilitating impactful training, and managing strategic partnerships with government entities, NGOs, and local communities. Some of her notable accomplishments at ZWRCN include leading the production of a snapshot of service delivery challenges, documenting the experiences of women cross-border traders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and overseeing the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) baseline survey.

Maryliyn’s career is also marked by her work as a Research Consultant with ICAP on Zimbabwe’s Population-based HIV Impact Assessment and her volunteer experience with the Cancer Centre Association, where she conducted cancer awareness campaigns and supported fundraising activities.

With a strong foundation in community entry, data collection, report writing, and social media content development, Maryliyn continues to make significant contributions to gender equality and social inclusion across Zimbabwe. Her work exemplifies a deep commitment to improving the lives of women and marginalized communities.