By Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire
In a remarkable achievement for both herself and her community, 25-year-old Angela “Chihera” Maduro, a dedicated human rights defender from Masvingo, was honored yesterday evening with a prestigious award from SRHR Africa Trust. This recognition, part of the Adolescent Activism Awards, celebrates the positive impact young people are making in the fields of health and sexual reproductive rights. Angela was named the 2024 National Winner in the category of Citizen Journalism, receiving a floating trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of $400. The award ceremony took place at the Holiday Inn, a four-star hotel in Harare, where Angela was also provided with complimentary accommodations for two nights.
Advocate Martin Mureri, a member of parliament for Masvingo Urban and the owner of the law firm where Angela is employed, praised her achievement, stating, “Angela is hardworking and intelligent. She dreams big and accomplishes her goals. The sky is not the limit.”
Angela is the daughter of the late Mr. Edward Maduro and Mrs Nyaradzayi Maduro from Nemamwa, Masvingo West, and she has two siblings, Aletta and Donovan Maduro. Expressing her gratitude, Angela remarked, “I want to thank my family for their immense support and love. They are my pillar.”
Her educational journey began at Nemamwa Primary School in rural Masvingo West, followed by her attendance at Pamushana High School in Masvingo. Angela is also a law graduate from Great Zimbabwe University and the founder of the Trinity Charity Foundation, an organization advocating for gender equality with a focus on male involvement. Within her organization, she collaborates with Kudakwashe Mutemachimwe, Tambudzai Phiri, Donovan Maduro, and Advocate Nyasha Makandise.
Phiri expressed her joy for Angela’s win, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our director Angela for winning this award. She is the overall winner in her category. We give God the glory and wish Angela and the organization all the best.”
Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe also applauded Angela for raising the flag of Masvingo by winning this prestigious award. Mayor Tabe, who returned from a work assignment in Russia just a few days ago, stated, “I am personally inspired by the great work Angela is doing, and I urge all youth to be creative, entrepreneurial, and to use their talents.”
In addition to her advocacy work, Angela is a certified civic leader under the United States Institutes for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement (2022), a cultural entrepreneur, and a United People Global Sustainability Leader (2023). She has spearheaded numerous community action projects focused on gender equality, including a groundbreaking art exhibit launched in February 2024 as part of her Gender Creative Actions 2 project, funded by the Culture Fund and the European Union Delegation of Zimbabwe. Furthermore, she is a 2024 Greenheart Exchange Ambassador Scholar Alumna of the United States, participating in a Summer Work and Travel program.
Recently, Angela organized a march to commemorate the International Week for the Deaf in September 2024. Together with Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire, they secured a research grant worth thousands of United States Dollars from the Roul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights, based in Zimbabwe and sponsored by Sweden, which addresses the impact of climate change on the rights of female learners with disabilities in Masvingo North.
Angela aspires to become a leading human rights lawyer, inspired by fearless advocates like Beatrice Mtetwa and Fadzayi Mahere. She is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and societal inclusion within her community in Masvingo and beyond. The recognition she received from SRHR Africa Trust not only highlights her exceptional contributions but also serves as an inspiration to many young activists striving for positive change.
