Kudzai Meda is a policy, advocacy, and campaign lead for the Regional SRHR Fund at Hivos. Her journey into development was shaped by her educational background and professional experiences. During her internship in South Africa, she gained crucial insights into how intersecting factors create systemic vulnerabilities, particularly affecting children, adolescent girls, and women.
Kudzai had a turning point when she witnessed firsthand the systemic under-representation of women and girls due to patriarchal norms. Through community volunteering, she observed the challenges faced by girls regarding bodily autonomy and healthcare access, igniting her passion for gender equality and reproductive rights advocacy.
For Kudzai, leadership transcends position or power; it’s about impact, influence, and mobilising others toward common goals. In her daily work, she amplifies young people’s voices, ensuring their participation in decision-making processes affecting their lives. One of her most significant impacts came through community outreach activities that created safe spaces for young people to access SRHR information and services despite societal stigma.
Despite facing resistance to inclusive approaches, Kudzai remains committed to ensuring marginalised groups shape programs and policies. She addresses these challenges through persistence, education, and strategic collaborations with like-minded organisations.
A personal setback being retrenched from an organisation she deeply valued, taught her not to define herself solely by her job. She maintains resilience by cultivating a positive mindset, drawing strength from her faith, and prioritising physical wellness through regular gym sessions.
Kudzai hopes to leave a legacy of a world where child marriages are eradicated and young people have equitable, stigma-free access to SRHR services. Her advice to young changemakers is simple but powerful: remain resilient, focused, and take consistent, purposeful action. When given opportunities, use those platforms to advocate for meaningful change.
