WALPE Appoints Jessie Chihota as Interim Executive Director

 

The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence has appointed Ms. Takunda Jessie Chihota as its Interim Executive Director, effective 1 January 2026, marking a significant leadership transition within one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent feminist leadership institutions.

“The organization looks forward to this leadership transition and remains committed to advancing feminist leadership, gender equality, and women’s political power,” WALPE said in a statement to stakeholders.

Chihota, who has been with WALPE for the past four years, steps into the role from her position as programs manager, where she played a central role in shaping and expanding the organization’s feminist leadership agenda at both local and national levels.

During her tenure as programs manager, Chihota oversaw the design and implementation of leadership development initiatives aimed at increasing women’s political participation, strengthening grassroots organizing, and nurturing young women leaders across Zimbabwe.

Her work has spanned program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the translation of feminist policy frameworks into practical leadership tools—positioning WALPE as a key player in conversations around gender equality and women’s political power.

According to the organization, her performance over the years demonstrated both strategic depth and operational competence, making her a natural choice to steer the institution during this interim phase.

Chihota’s appointment comes at a time when civil society organizations focused on women’s leadership are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate impact, sustainability, and relevance, particularly in politically constrained and economically fragile environments.

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