About WALPE
The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) is a women’s rights feminist organization established in 2018 with a mandate to promote women’s economic, social, environmental and political rights through mobilizing women to demand their human rights enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe.
Our Story
The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE), established in 2018, is a national feminist women’s rights organisation operating in Zimbabwe that promotes women’s active, free and full participation in politics as candidates and voters. It provides tailor made and long-term intergenerational mentorship, grooming, coaching and capacity enhancement trainings in transformative feminist leadership to aspiring women, young women and women with disabilities leaders across the country in preparation of public office.
The organization prepares aspiring women leaders for various leadership positions at both local and national level such as those seeking election or appointment as MPs, Councillors, Presidents, Chairpersons of local authorities, School Development Committee (SDCs), Health Centre Committees, Village and Ward Development Committees etc. It also operates in all the ten provinces in both rural and urban areas and is membership based with 30 000 aspiring women-leaders members across the country and 30 women-led CBOs. WALPE is at the forefront of advocating for an end to all forms of violence against women in leadership, a key challenge bedevilling women and inhibiting them from rising and occupying key leadership positions.
Our Programmes
WALPE employs a range of strategies to advance women leadership including capacity building, advocacy and creating platforms for engagement. Learn more about our programmes and how we empower women to take on leadership roles at local and national levels.
The WALPE Secretariat
Meet the dedicated and passionate team behind the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE). Our staff brings a wealth of diverse experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to feminist principles and the empowerment of women in Zimbabwe. Each member plays a vital role in driving our mission forward, working tirelessly to build a just and inclusive society where women excel in leadership at all levels.
Stabile Dewa
Founder & Executive DirectorSitabile Dewa, Executive Director and Founder of WALPE, is a women’s rights and peace-building expert with over ten years of experience empowering women leaders. Before WALPE, she co-founded Heal Zimbabwe Trust, pioneering initiatives like Women Safe Spaces. Her background includes advocating for student academic freedoms with ZINASU. Sitabile holds Master’s degrees in Human Rights, Peace and Development and International Relations, alongside a BSc in Sociology and relevant postgraduate diplomas/certificates. A US IVLP alumnus, she focuses WALPE on increasing women’s political representation through training and mentorship.
Martha Benjamin
Finance and Administration ManagerMartha Benjamin serves as the Finance and Administration Manager, bringing seven years of professional experience in the finance sector. She excels in comprehensive financial activities, administration, and strategic thinking, having effectively led finance departments and successfully navigated multiple unqualified audits. Her expertise includes budget development and oversight, preparing IFRS-compliant financial statements, and producing annual reports. Martha holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Business Management with a Finance specialization from Midlands State University (MSU) and is committed to furthering her education with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Jessie Chihota
Programs ManagerJessie Chihota is WALPE’s Programs Manager, a human rights activist and feminist driven by a passion for gender equality and leadership. A graduate of Rhodes University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journaling & Media Studies and Sociology) with specializations in Radio and Communications Design, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management. Although her early career involved communications, writing, and design, she is now fully focused on programming to contribute to the success of Zimbabwe’s women’s movement. Jessie plans to pursue a Master’s in Gender and Development Studies and a diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation in 2025.
Charity Manjova
Monitoring and Evaluation OfficerCharity Manjova is a dedicated development practitioner serving as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, leveraging 7 years of experience in community development with a focus on gender and social inclusion. Her work has spanned women, girls, children, minorities, and emergency humanitarian contexts. Charity is a dynamic, results-oriented professional with extensive knowledge in M&E, advocacy, lobbying, child development, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies Honours Degree and is eager to further her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Gender and Development.
Thelma Rufaro Mabika
Gender and Membership OfficerThelma Rufaro Mabika is WALPE’s passionate Gender and Membership Officer, bringing over three years of experience working with women and children. Her expertise lies in gender equality and child development principles, complemented by proven skills in community engagement, mobilization, project management, and evaluation. An effective communicator and advocate, Thelma holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours Degree in Sociology from Africa University and an Executive Certificate in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation from the Catholic University of Zimbabwe.
Redfield Ngwenya
Finance and Administration OfficerRedfield Ngwenya is a driven and detail-oriented accountant working as the Finance and Administration Officer. A 2023 graduate from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Accounting, he possesses a strong foundation in financial management and analysis. Redfield is passionate about using his skills for positive impact and is committed to advancing his career by pursuing the ACCA certification to enhance his expertise.
Sizalokuhle Ncube
Media and Publications OfficerSizalokuhle Ncube serves as WALPE’s Media and Publications Officer, bringing 7 years of experience as a digital media professional adept at transitioning from print to digital platforms. Her expertise encompasses writing, research, website management, SEO, social media, visual intelligence, and digital content creation, with a proven track record in managing online publications and driving audience growth. Sizalokuhle holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Media and Society Studies from Midlands State University (MSU) and plans to further her education with a Master’s in Strategic Communication, driven by a passion for innovative storytelling.