UN Secretary-General António Guterres revealed the appointment of Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda as the Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, United Nations System Coordination, and Programme Results at UN Women.
Ms. Gumbonzvanda, the Founder and Executive Director of Rozaria Memorial Trust in Zimbabwe, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her extensive background includes serving as the General Secretary of the World Young Women’s Christian Association and as the United Nations Development Fund for Women Regional Programming Director in the East and Horn of Africa.
Prior to her current appointment, Gumbonzvanda contributed significantly to UNICEF, where she served as the Human Rights Officer in Liberia and National Child Rights Adviser in Zimbabwe. Notably, she played a key role in addressing child marriage issues and became the first African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage.
During the interim period until Ms. Gumbonzvanda assumes her functions, Sarah Hendriks of Canada, the current UN Women Deputy Executive Director, will continue to serve in the role. The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to Ms. Hendriks for her dedication and service.
Ms. Gumbonzvanda’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Laws degree (Honoris Causa) from the University of Massachusetts, a Master in Laws degree from the University of South Africa, a Post-graduate Certificate in Conflict Transformation from Uppsala University, Sweden, and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), degree from the University of Zimbabwe. Her diverse educational background reflects her commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment on a global scale.
