ZimRights appoints first female national director

Chengetai Murimwa

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has appointed Ms Gillian Chinzete as its new National Director, marking a historic milestone for the 34-year-old organisation. Her appointment, announced at the National Council’s end-of-year meeting at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Village in Harare, takes effect on 1 January 2026.

Chinzete succeeds outgoing director Dzikamai Bere, who steps down on 31 December after guiding the organisation through a period of growth and strengthened community engagement. As the country’s first post-independence indigenous human rights advocacy movement, ZimRights represents 250,000 members across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces and a growing diaspora chapter.

Her appointment is significant, as she becomes the first woman to assume the organisation’s top leadership role and the eighth director in what ZimRights describes as a tradition of “seamless transitions.”

Currently serving as ZimRights’ Programmes Manager, Chinzete joined the organisation in 2023 as a Community Engagement Specialist. With over a decade of experience in the civic space, she is credited with strong leadership that propelled her rise through the organisation’s ranks.

Speaking at a ceremony welcoming the incoming director, ZimRights National Chairperson Takesure Musiiwa expressed confidence in her ability to lead the movement forward.
“The National Council was impressed with your performance over the years in service to human rights. And we do not doubt that you will lead our movement well into a future of success. You have our full support,” he said.

In her acceptance remarks, Chinzete expressed gratitude and humility, pledging to build on ZimRights’ legacy.
“I come here bare-handed seeking to build a future where our collective efforts honour the legacy of those who have paved the way before us,” she said, committing to a vision anchored in justice and equality.

The National Council has tasked Chinzete with sustaining ZimRights’ growth and amplifying its voice amid an increasingly constrained civic space. Her leadership is expected to strengthen the association’s advocacy efforts and ensure its members continue to play a key role in safeguarding human rights nationwide.

ZimRights says it looks forward to a smooth leadership transition and a renewed chapter of impact in the coming year.