KUMBIRAI KUIMBA

Dedicated Gender Advocate with a proven track record of empowering communities and supporting vulnerable women, particularly survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Experienced in implementing comprehensive support programs, advocating for policy changes, and fostering inclusivity and equality. Skilled in building partnerships, conducting workshops, and providing counseling services to create safe and supportive environments. Committed to promoting gender equity and driving positive societal change through activism and advocacy initiatives.

• Investing in Future Peacebuilding Leaders Fellowship Program (UNDP): Distinguished selection as a fellow in the prestigious Investing in Future Peacebuilding Leaders Fellowship Program, administered by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) within the Zimbabwe Country Office. This esteemed opportunity underlines my dedication to peacebuilding and community leadership.
• Youth Engagement with UN Agencies: Orchestrated and led bi-monthly meetings, fostering critical dialogues on gender equality and peacebuilding among youth. Collaborated closely with prominent United Nations Agencies, including UN Women, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, during my tenure as part of the United Nations Internship Fellowship Program Zimbabwe 2nd Cohort. This role enabled me to champion youth-driven initiatives on a global platform.
• Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Workshop (UN Women Zimbabwe): Actively facilitated and delivered a compelling presentation on the pressing issue of teenage pregnancies during the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Workshop hosted by UN Women Zimbabwe. This contribution showcased my dedication to addressing gender-based violence and advocating for the rights of women and girls.
• Annual Gender and Extractives Symposium (WLSA, ZELA, ActionAid): Played a pivotal role in organizing and participating in the prestigious annual Gender and Extractives Symposium, jointly hosted by Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), and ActionAid. This platform allowed for the exploration of the intricate dynamics between gender, law, and resource extraction.
• UN Women National Youth Gender Advocate: Garnered recognition as one of the select few UN Women National Youth Gender Advocates for Zimbabwe, serving in the distinguished 2020-2021 group. This honor underscores my unwavering commitment to advocating for gender equality and empowering the youth to effect meaningful change.
• Fellows Coordinator (UN Internship Fellowship Program): Earned the esteemed role of Fellows Coordinator for the UN Internship Fellowship Program Zimbabwe 2nd Cohort. This responsibility involved meticulous coordination and mentoring of fellow interns, contributing to the program's overall success.
• Youth Caucus Steering Committee (African Women Leaders' Network): I was handpicked to serve on the steering committee of the African Women Leaders' Network Zimbabwe youth caucus, dedicating my expertise and passion to community enrichment between 2020 and 2022. This role exemplified my commitment to advancing women's leadership and community development.
• Global Women’s Narrative Project Senior Fellow (Oxford Initiative): Currently serving as a Global Women’s Narrative Project Senior Fellow for the Oxford Initiative, I am deeply engaged in initiatives that consciously bridge academia, policy, and activism for the greater good. My work within this initiative is guided by a commitment to purposefully connect ongoing efforts to the lived experiences and human rights of women. Furthermore, I actively seek partnerships in a wide array of joint projects, all with a policy-oriented focus on our prioritized topics. My role contributes to the cultivation of a thoughtful and supportive community of scholars, policymakers, and activists dedicated to inclusion and change.