Dr. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda is a renowned fervent advocate for gender equality. Her life's work has been dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and girls in Zimbabwe and globally. For nearly three decades, she has been at the forefront of issues pertaining to women's and children's human rights, focusing particularly on violence against women, health, and HIV/AIDS. 

Her previous portfolios include, serving as the General Secretary of the World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), leading global efforts to promote gender equality, women's rights, and youth empowerment, impacting over 25 million women and girls. She has also served as UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), where she focused on raising awareness about the intersection of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the need for comprehensive responses to these interconnected issues. She has also served on multiple high-profile committees and advisory groups, including the UN Commission on Accountability for Women and Children’s Health, the WHO Director-General Advisory Group on Ebola, and the UN Civil Society Advisory Group on Women, Peace, and Security.

Dr. Gumbonzvanda is the founder of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, an organization established in memory of her late mother based in Murewa, Zimbabwe. The Trust focuses on promoting girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services and information, as well as fostering their leadership. Each year, the Trust supports at least 2,000 girls through the establishment of in-school and community nhangas.

Since 2014, Dr. Gumbonzvanda has also served as the African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriages. In Zimbabwe, she was a founding member of the Women & Land Lobby Group and the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to gender equality and human rights, Dr. Gumbonzvanda has received numerous accolades, including the Amnesty International Ginetta Sagan Award for Women's and Children's Rights and has also been named one of Forbes' 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa. Despite facing significant challenges and obstacles, Gumbonzvanda remains undeterred in her pursuit of a more just and equal world. She continues to inspire and empower individuals, communities, and policymakers through her advocacy, activism, and tireless dedication to advancing human rights, gender equality, and social justice. 

Currently she is the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination, and Programme Results. 

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