Faculty of Social & Gender Transformative Sciences

Dr Itai Hlonie Mafa is a self-motivated and critical social worker who is enthusiastic about academia, gender issues, social policing, social justice and sexual and reproductive health rights. She has a proven record in social research and has been consulted for research projects in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Dr Mafa is involved in various research committees in the faculty which has sharpened her research skills. She has also accumulated more than ten years of extensive experience in tertiary institutions as a lecturer for various Social Work courses and carrying out post-graduate research supervision. Dr Itai Hlonie Mafa has a well-developed teaching philosophy and a flexible attitude to work, with excellent communication and written skills. Dr Mafa has participated in curricula development and curricula review in Zimbabwe and South Africa, contributing to quality assurance. She is the current NASW-Z treasurer, a thought leader for ZIMCHE and was also involved in consolidating MBKs.

• PhD in Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2015-2017)
• Master of Social Science Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2013-2014)
• Bachelor of Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2009–2012)
• HEXCO Computer programs: Mutendi High School (2001-2004)

Published articles

Mukurazhizha, R and Mafa, I. (2022). Flaws in preparing children with disabilities for life after Institutional Care in Zimbabwe: Implications for Social Work Practice. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 37

Chisango, T., Mafa I., & Maunganidze, L. (2022). Investigating the sexist implications of Bride Price (Lobola) in Zimbabwe. Society doi:10.1007/s12115-022-00743-7

Chigangaidze, R., Mafa, I., Simango, T and Mudewe, E. (2022). Establishing the relevance of the Ubuntu philosophy in Social work Practice: Inspired by the Ubuntu World Social Work Month 2021 Celebration and the IFSW (2014) global definition of Social work. International Social work:Doi:10.1177/00208728221078374

Chatukuta, A and Mafa, I. (2022). The significance of the clinical social workers’ dress in the helping process: The clients’ perceptions. Practice: Doi:10.1080/09503153.2022.2035706

Simango, T.G and Mafa, I. (2022). Child Disciplinary Practices versus Child Rights in Zimbabwe: Viewed through Social Work Lenses Qualitative Sociological Review 18 (1) 114-131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.18.1.06

Charamba, S., Mafa, I and Chikadzi, V. (2021). ‘In the eye of the storm’: An exploration of the psychosocial experiences of teen mothers in Zimbabwe. Indian Journal of Social Work (82) 12

Mafa, I., Simango, T. and Chisango, T. (2021). Under-Reportage of ‘Sex-For-Marks’ Cases within Public Universities in Zimbabwe. Sexuality, Gender and Policy Doi:10.1002/SGP2.12038

Mafa, I and Simango, T.G. (2021). Exploring the ‘Thigh-For-Marks’ Phenomenon among Public Universities in Zimbabwe. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work https:/doi.org/10.1007/s41134-021-00188-8

Chisango, T., Muridzo, N., Mafa, I and Khombo, S. (2021). An exploration of the stereotype content model to university lectures. Journal of Applied Social Sciences https:/doi.org/10.1177/19367244211026915

Mafa, I. (2021). Pertinent ills concomitant with matrifocality in Zimbabwe: Implications for development. Innovare Journal of Social Sciences, 9 (2):10-15

Muridzo, N, Chikadzi, V., Mahunste S and Mafa, I. (2021). Legal shortcomings in the VFS forums responding to child sexual abuse: Lessons from a Zimbabwean case study. African Journal of Social Work 11(1): 32-39

Mafa, I., Kange’the S. and Chikadzi, V. (2020). ‘Revenge Pornography’ and Women Issues: Implications for Social Work Practice and Women’s Rights. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 5 (1) : 118-128 https://doi:10.1007/s41134-020-00118-0

Mahuntshe, L., Muridzo, N., Chikadzi, V and Mafa, I. (2020). Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe: Lessons from 2018 Cholera outbreak. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 35 (Special Issue): 91-106

Mafa, I and Kange’the, S. (2019).Women-NGOs and Financial Viability: Implications for Women Empowerment Processes from a Social Work Perspective. African Journal of Social Work, 9(2):43-51

Muridzo, N., Chikadzi, V., Mafa, I and Chinyenze, P. (2018). Parental Circumstances leading to Child Sexual Abuse in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 33(2):135-168

Mafa, I and Kange’the S.M. (2016). Exploring the Underpinnings of Pseudo-Prostitution in Institutions of Higher Learning in selected African countries. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 7(3):167-174

Mafa, I & Kange’the S.M. (2016). A critical Analysis of the prostitution phenomenon, drawing examples from selected African countries: A Literature Review. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 7(4):279-288

Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Evaluating the survival strategies adopted by single mothers to enhance their livelihood in Zimbabwe. Mediterranean Journal, 5 (2): 1222-1229

Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Dynamics associated with the state of cohabitation in developing countries. A literature Review. Mediterranean Journal, 5(4):601-609

Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Assessing Post-Apartheid Poverty in South Africa. A literature Review. Mediterranean Journal, 5(1):449-456

Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Dynamics associated with matrifocality in Zimbabwe. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 5(2):131-139

Published Book Chapter (s)

Mudewe, E., Simango, T., Mafa, I and Chingangaidze, R. (2022). Demystifying the National Case Management System in Child protection. In Professional Social Work in Zimbabwe: Putting Children First. Beyond the Vale Publishing: Edenvale, South Africa

Published Book (s)

Mafa, I. (2020). Identity and Identity Crisis: A Practical Guide to Finding Your True Self. Kindle Direct Publishing

FULL NAME: Abigail Rudorwashe Benhura
CURRENT POSITION: Lecturer: Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences
QUALIFICATIONS:
✓ Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict, Transformation and Peace Studies; Field of Study –
Forced Migration; Area of Specialisation – Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies:
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Faculty of Social Sciences (2015 to 2017).
Title of Thesis:
Interrogating the Provision of Secondary School Education in Hopley and Caledonia
Communities: A Lens into Internal Displacement in Zimbabwe.
.Master of Development Studies, Women’s University in Africa (2012-2013). Title of Thesis:
.BA in English and Communications (Upper-Second Class), Zimbabwe Open University (2000-2003).
.Diploma in Education (English and History), Gweru Teachers College – 1990-1991.
AREA OF SPECIALISATION: Migration
RESEARCH INTEREST: Forced Migration, Child-Sensitive Policies, Social Protection, Disability.
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Abigail Rudorwashe Benhura holds a PhD in Conflict, Transformation and Peace Studies attained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her PhD thesis focused on Internally Displaced Persons in Zimbabwe. She has substantial experience in academia and research with a significant publication record and expertise in forced migration. She mainly focuses on (forced) migrants’ lived realities, access to (or lack of) basic services, and the general socio-political and economic implications of involuntary mobility. As a Senior Lecturer at the Women’s University in Africa, she teaches courses that include: Gender and Migration, Gender Mainstreaming for Children and Principles of Child-Sensitive Social Protection, Community- Based Peace Building and Conflict Transformation, among others.

Full Name: Albert Maipisi
Current Position:Senior Lecturer – Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences

Qualifications
• Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Management from the University of the Free State in South Africa & Doctor of Public Administration Sciences; taught courses namely Public Finance, Public Policy Analysis, Sustainable Public Administration, and Efficient State at the National University of Public Service, Hungary.
Thesis Title: Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction Interventions in Zimbabwe
• Master of Science Degree in Disaster Management from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe.
Thesis Title: Exploring the effectiveness of the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme in forestry plantations in Zimbabwe.
• Master of Arts Degree in Defence and Security Studies from the Zimbabwe National Defence University.
Thesis Title: Formative incentivising conditions for terrorism: A comparative analysis of Cabo Delgado and Mashonaland Central Provinces towards sustainable oil and gas mining in Zimbabwe.
• Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Administration from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Area of Specialisation: Disaster Management, Institutional Development, Sustainable Public Administration.
Research Interests: Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience Studies, Sustainable Development,
Innovation for Sustainable Public Administration and Local Governance, Decoloniality, Politics, National Defence and Security.
Biography
Dr. Maipisi coordinates the Master of Science Degree in Disaster Risk and Livelihoods Management Programme at the Women’s University in Africa, and has been involved in many public administration, organisational development and disaster risk reduction consultant assignments. His research interests, among those already noted above, span from disaster risk reduction, public policy and strategy, national security, poverty reduction, parliamentarism, nationalism, defence and security, to diplomacy.
Contact Details
Cell: +263775157504
Email: albamaipisi@gmail.com

Current Position: Lecturer: Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative
Sciences
QUALIFICATIONS
✓ Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Social and Behavioural Sciences; Field of Study – Public
Policy and Public Administration; Area of Specialisation – Public Policy: University of
Zimbabwe, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Governance and Public
Management (2018 to 2023). Title of Thesis: Exploring the Feasibility of Public-Private-
Community Partnerships as Financing Mechanisms for Enhancing Food Security in Zimbabwe:
The Case of Maize Crop; 2000-2020.
✓ Master of Public Administration (Pass with Merit), University of Zimbabwe (2013-2015).
Title of Thesis: The Feasibility of Land Taxation as a Means of Broadening Fiscal Space in
Zimbabwe: The Case of Mazowe Rural District Council.
✓ Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management (Pass with Merit), University
of Zimbabwe (2008- 2009).
✓ BSC Honours in Administration (Upper-Second Class), University of Zimbabwe (2002-2005).
Area of Specialisation: Public Policy and Public Administration
Research Interests: Participatory Governance, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and
Agricultural Development
Biography
Dr Brighton Shoniwa holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Social and Behavioural Sciences (Public
Policy and Public Administration), University of Zimbabwe. His research interests are in the areas of
participatory governance, sustainable development, climate change, and agricultural development, and
he strongly subscribes to the narrative that contemporary challenges are complex, requiring a multi-
disciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach. He desires to contribute to the debate advocating for
Public-Private Community Partnerships (PPCPs) as public administration and developmental options.
He has published in areas of public finance, agricultural development, food security, climate change
governance, and ethical governance.

Qualifications:
BA Degree (University of Zimbabwe), Grad CE (University of Zimbabwe), MSc Social Ecology (University of Zimbabwe), Diploma in Journalism and Professional Writing (INTEC College), PhD in Social Anthropology (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Postdoc (Rhodes University, South Africa).

Areas of Specialisation: Climate Change & Environmental Management
Research Interests: Adaptation to Climate Change, Environmental
Management, Environmental & Climate Justice, Disaster
Management, Interdisciplinary research.

Academic Profile
Christopher Munyaradzi Mabeza holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He is a senior lecturer in the Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences at the Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe. He is also the Coordinator of Development Studies at the Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe.
Dr Mabeza is an anthropologist by training, with more than 20 years of experience in climate change adaptation and environmental management in southern Africa. Most of his work has been conducted in rural Zimbabwe, where he has done extensive research with smallholder farmers. He spent about 8 years working in wildlife management at a local nature reserve. Christopher has published on climate change adaptation, disaster management, and smallholder farming. He wrote Water and Soil in Holy Matrimony.

Choga Matilda.
MATILDA CHOGA is a Holder of a PhD in Development Studies (Women’s University in Africa), a Master of Arts in Development Studies (Midlands State University), and BSc Social Sciences Degree Majoring in Sociology and Rural Development (Great Zimbabwe University). Experienced Lecturer in Sociology and Gender Studies. Current Coordinator in the Department of Sociology at Women’s University in Africa. Her research focuses on issues affecting rural women.

Ngonidzashe Mutanana

Senior Lecturer/ Programmes Coordinator (Child Sensitive Social Policies)

Academic and Professional Qualifications: PhD in Development Studies, Masters in Counselling, BSc Hons in Counselling, and Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education

Area of Specialisation: Development Studies and Child-Sensitive Social Policies

Research Interests/Areas of Expertise: Contemporary Social Issues, Community Development and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Professional Biography/Profile: A highly experienced academic and researcher with over 10 years of expertise in social sciences, specializing in gender studies, public health, and development. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Women’s University in Africa, with a proven track record in teaching, research, and consultancy. Extensive experience in the areas of peacebuilding, social protection, gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, and child rights, with successful grant-funded research projects supported by UNICEF, AFRODAD, and other reputable organizations. Proven expertise in conducting comprehensive analyses on social inclusion, focusing on marginalized groups such as girls and children with disabilities. Hands-on experience in community and stakeholder engagement, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of child protection, livelihoods, resilience building, and advocacy. Proven track record in NGO experience, consultancy work, and use of OECD-DAC criteria in evaluation processes. Skilled in developing evidence-based recommendations to enhance programmatic interventions.

Current Position/Designation: Lecturer, Programme Coordinator for MA Strategic Communication and Dissertations/Projects Coordinator for postgraduate studies in the Communication and Language Centre

Qualifications:

• DPhil (English), University of Zimbabwe
• Masters in English (MEL), University of Zimbabwe
• Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Education (PDTE), Midlands State University
• BA Honours in English, University of Zimbabwe

Areas of Specialisation: Literary Studies, Language, and Communication
Research Interests: Literary Studies, Language, Communication, new media, memory and trauma, Zimbabwe’s Land Question

Professional Biography:
Dr. Sheunesu Mandizvidza is an academic and educationist whose research and publications span several interdisciplinary fields within the humanities. His scholarly interests include strategic communication, (auto)biography and life writing, comparative literature, the relationship between literature and history, studies on memory and trauma, particularly how literature mediates historical experience and national memory, and the study of African musical expressions as reflections of shifting political and social realities. He has contributed to scholarship through both authorship and editorial work. He has edited a number of important academic publications on music and politics, gender representation and gender studies, the politics of naming and subversion, and the life and work of Dambudzo Marechera. His editorial projects have brought together critical perspectives on the intersections of culture, politics, identity, and literary production in Zimbabwe. Dr. Mandizvidza has taught communication and literature at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at several universities in Zimbabwe, including the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and Midlands State University (MSU). Currently, he is a lecturer in the undergraduate Communication Skills course and in the MA Strategic Communication degree programme at the Women’s University in Africa.

Current Position/Designation: Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the Communication and Language Centre
Qualifications:

• DLitt et Phil (English), University of South Africa
• Master’s in English, University of Zimbabwe
• Graduate Certificate in Education, University of Zimbabwe/ University of Tampon, Reunion
• B.A. Special Honours in English, University of Zimbabwe
• B.A. General (English, French, Linguistics, Sociology), University of Zimbabwe

Area of Specialisation: Language and Communication
Research Interests: Language, Communication, African Literary Studies, Cultural Identity, Decoloniality and Gender Studies
Professional Biography:
Dr. Yuleth Chigwedere is an educationist with vast experience as both a university lecturer and a high school teacher. She is an Advisory Board Member of Imbizo: International Journal of African Literary and Comparative Studies and a peer reviewer for several international academic journals. She has also provided language consultancy services in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia for organisations such as the African Union, OSSREA, and the British Council. She has also had exposure under a U.S. Language Fellow programme to Best Practices in English Language Teaching using the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model, as well as to English for Academic Purposes and Second Language Acquisition Research. Dr Chigwedere has presented academic papers both locally and internationally in countries such as Zambia and South Africa. Brazil. U.S., the Netherlands, Portugal, and Poland. She has several publications in her research areas of interest, namely Language, Communication, Literature, Cultural Identity, Decoloniality and Gender Studies.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Mrs Felistus Tafadzwa Makumbe
Current Position/Designation: Lecturer and Communication Skills Coordinator in the Communication and Language Centre
Qualifications:
 MA Applied Linguistics, University of Zimbabwe
 B.A. Dual Honours in Linguistics and Ndebele, University of Zimbabwe
Areas of Specialisation: Applied Linguistics
Research Interests: Applied Linguistics, Theoretical Linguistics, and Forensic Linguistics
Professional Biography:
Makumbe Felistus Tafadzwa is a distinguished linguist and academic, holding a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor of Arts Dual Honours in Linguistics and Ndebele, both from the University of Zimbabwe. She is an experienced lecturer with expertise in Communication Skills, English Language for Academic Purposes, Court Interpreting, Court Intermediary, Translation, Forensic Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, and Sociolinguistics. Her research interests focus on Forensic Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and Theoretical Linguistics, where she has contributed to advancing both scholarship and pedagogy. She currently serves as a Lecturer and Communication Skills Coordinator in the Communication and Language Centre at the Women’s University in Africa, playing a central role in programme coordination, curriculum development, academic instruction, and student mentorship. Mrs Makumbe recently participated in Hundzula, a prestigious funded research retreat designed to foster collaboration between linguists and Natural Language Processing (NLP) researchers meant to encourage interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of language and technology. Her involvement in Hundzula reflects her commitment to bridging linguistic theory with computational applications, contributing to the development of tools and frameworks that enhance language analysis and processing in African and global contexts.

Full name: Peter Manyoni
Current Position: Lecturer, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences
Qualifications: PhD Candidate, Women’s University in Africa: The efficacy of CAMPFIRE in rural development: Reflections from Nyaminyami Rural District; Master of Science in Development Studies: Research title: The Challenges and prospects of Transport parastatals in Zimbabwe: Reflections from ZUPCO. Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sociology and Gender Studies: Research title: Challenges of female lodgers in high-density suburbs. A case study of Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare. Certificate: Sales management: London Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI). Area of specialisation: Gender, Environment, policy and security
Research interests: Environment, wildlife, gender and community developmenti

Biography
Peter Manyoni is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences.
He is a PhD Candidate at Women’s University in Africa, studying the efficacy of CAMPFIRE in rural development, with reflections from Nyaminyami Rural District.
His postgraduate work includes an MSc Degree in Development Studies, where he studied the challenges and prospects of Zimbabwe’s transport parastatals, focusing on ZUPCO.
He holds a BSc Honours Degree in Sociology and Gender Studies and researched the gendered challenges of female lodgers in the high-density suburb of Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare. Peter’s specialisation and research interests centre on gender, environment, policy, security and community development.

Full Name: Mr. Stanley Chiremba
Current Position/Designation: Lecturer / Psychology Programme Coordinator
Area of Specialisation
Clinical Psychology
Academic and Professional Qualifications
.Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Psychology
.Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology
.Diploma in Personnel Management

Research Interests/Areas of Expertise
.Dementia
.Clinical Psychology
.Mental Health and Psychological Well-being
.Psychological Assessment and Intervention

Professional Biography

Stanley Chiremba is a Lecturer and Psychology Programme Coordinator with a professional background in Psychology and Clinical Psychology. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Diploma in Personnel Management.
His academic and professional training has equipped him with expertise in psychological assessment, mental health, clinical practice, research, teaching, and student development. As a Psychology Lecturer and Programme Coordinator, Stanley is involved in teaching,
academic programme coordination, student supervision, curriculum development and review, research, and departmental administration. He is committed to promoting high standards of teaching and learning while supporting students in developing strong theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in psychology. His research interests primarily focus on dementia and related psychological and mental health concerns, with a broader interest in understanding psychological processes, mental health challenges, and interventions that contribute to improved quality of life among individuals, families, and communities. Stanley is passionate about the advancement of psychology through teaching, research, professional practice, and community engagement. His academic interests reflect a commitment to generating knowledge that contributes to improved psychological services and evidence-based approaches to mental health in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Full Name: Peggy Kapfunde
Current Position: Lecturer, Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences

Qualifications:

.MSc. Degree in Child-Sensitive Social Policy: Women’s University in Africa (2019).
Dissertation Title: Child Labour in the Context of Artisanal Mining in Zimbabwe:
A Case of Chiunye Community in Mudzi District.
.BSc. Honours Degree in Sociology and Gender Development Studies: Women’s University in Africa (2017).
.Advanced Diploma in Office Administration: Women’s University in Africa (2008).
.Pitman Secretarial Studies: Nhamburiko College, Harare (1990).
Area of Specialisation:
.Sociology and Gender Development, child-sensitive social policies
Research Interests/Areas of Expertise:
Gender equality, gender disparities, gender development, child labour issues, community development, child protection, child-sensitive social policies.
Professional Biography/Profile:
Mrs Peggy Kapfunde is a holder of a Master of Science Degree in Child-Sensitive Social Policies.
Her areas of specialisation are Sociology and Gender Development, child-sensitive social
policies. Her research interests are gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, gender
disparities, gender development, child labour issues, community development, child
protection, child-sensitive and social policies, with particular focus on child rights, women’s
rights (human rights) and promoting inclusivity.

Current Position/Designation: Lecturer in Sign Language in the Language and Communication Centre
Qualifications

• Master’s in Inclusive Education, University of Zimbabwe
• B.Ed. Honours in Inclusive Education, Great Zimbabwe University
• Diploma in Primary Education, University of Zimbabwe
• Diploma in ICT and Educational Supervision, Morgan Zintec College
• National Certificate in Sign Language, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education
• Basic Sign Language Certificate, Deaf Zimbabwe Trust
• Cambridge Teacher Training, Cambridge Press University

Areas of Specialisation: Sign Language and Special Needs Education
Research Interests: Sign Language Pedagogy and Deaf Culture, Inclusive Curriculum Development and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), Barrier Identification, Accessibility, and Educational Interventions for Learners with Disabilities

Professional Biography
Mrs Pauline Nyamweda is a Lecturer in Sign Language at Women’s University in Africa. She specialises in Inclusive Education, Special Needs Education, and Deaf Education. Mrs. Nyamweda is a dedicated and compassionate specialist educator with extensive experience in supporting learners with diverse learning needs, including autism spectrum disorder, deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and intellectual disabilities. Her vas inclusive education training helps in equipping university students, educators, and professionals with practical sign language and inclusive pedagogy skills to promote accessible learning environments. Her work focuses on curriculum design for inclusive teacher training, sign language instruction, deaf culture and awareness, and the integration of visual aids and technology in inclusive education. She is passionate about advancing learner independence, self-advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and building capacity for inclusive practices in higher education and the wider community

Full Name : Joyce Machigere
Designation : Lecturer
Academic Qualifications:

• PhD Candidate (UNISA)
• Master of Science Degree in Counselling Psychology (GZU)
• Master of Science Degree in Development Studies (WUA)
• B. Sc (Hon) in Psychology (WUA) Diploma in HIV & AIDS Counselling, Care and Support (ZIHAT)
• Professional Qualifications
• Registered Counselling Psychologist (Allied Health Practitioners)
• Registered Counsellor (Allied Health Practitioners)
• Specialisation : Counselling Psychology
• Research interests : Mental health and Psychology of wealth, Family therapy

Professional Biography
Joyce is an academic, researcher, and practising therapist. Her research interests include mental health issues, the psychology of wealth creation and preservation, and general counselling psychology. As a therapist, she conducts therapy sessions for patients and clients, including university students. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology, focusing on the psychology of generational wealth creation. Her work explores the psychological framework involved in generational wealth

MATILDA MAONEKIE
Position: Lecturer
Faculty: Faculty of Gender and Transformative Sciences
Department: Department of Sociology

Academic Qualifications
• Master’s Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology
• Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Sociology
Areas of Specialisation
Gender Studies • Sociology • Social Research
Research Interests / Areas of Expertise
• Gender and social development
• Gender-based inequalities and reproductive experiences
• Climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihoods
• Indigenous knowledge and heritage-based adaptation
• Social work and community development
• Community-based interventions and vulnerable populations
Professional Biography
Matilda Maonekie is a Lecturer and academic researcher in the Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Gender and Transformative Sciences at Women’s University in Africa. Her academic and professional interests focus on gender, sociology, social development, social work, community-based interventions, and social research, with particular attention to social challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities.
She has experience in teaching and facilitating courses in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Anthropology, and Social Research Methods and Statistics. She is also involved in undergraduate research supervision and academic mentorship, supporting students in developing their research and analytical skills.
Her research interests encompass gender and social inequalities, reproductive experiences, vulnerable and marginalised populations, community development, sustainable livelihoods, climate change adaptation, indigenous knowledge systems, and heritage-based approaches to resilience. Her current scholarly work explores the role of heritage-based adaptation and agro-social work in promoting sustainable livelihood security under climate stress in Zimbabwe.
Her scholarly work also engages with social issues affecting women and older persons in Zimbabwe, including access to healthcare, reproductive experiences, and the socio-cultural dimensions of women’s lives. Beyond teaching and research, she is committed to community engagement, professional development, and knowledge exchange, with a focus on using teaching, research, and community engagement to contribute to social development, gender equality, community resilience, and the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised populations.

Ms Sharon Chibhabha is a registered social worker in Zimbabwe and a Social Work Lecturer at Women’s University in Africa, Mutare Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Zimbabwe.

She brings a diverse combination of academic and professional experience, with three years of experience in academia and seven years of fieldwork practice. Her professional practice includes working on USAID-funded empirical and evidence-based programmes, where she gained practical experience in programme implementation, community-based interventions, research, and social development initiatives.

Ms Chibhabha’s professional and academic interests are centred on improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, with particular interest in mental and behavioural health, social justice and policy, child and family welfare, and criminal justice and rehabilitation.

As an academic and practitioner, she is committed to integrating social work theory with practical field experience to prepare students for effective and ethical professional practice. Her approach is informed by evidence-based practice, social justice, human dignity, and the need for responsive interventions that address the complex social challenges affecting individuals and communities.

Through her teaching, research, and professional practice, Ms Chibhabha seeks to contribute to the development of competent social workers and to the advancement of social work knowledge and practice in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Full Name: Tabeth Kanhukamwe
Current Position: Lecturer- Social Sciences Department, Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative
Sciences
QUALIFICATIONS
✓ Master of Science Degree in Child Sensitive Social Policies (Women’s University in Africa, 2019).
Title of Thesis: Exploring the impact of Media on Adolescents: The Case of Marlborough.
✓ BSc. Honours in Community Development Studies (Women’s University in Africa, 2017).
✓ Advanced Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation (Women’s University in Africa, 2026).
Area of Specialisation: Child-Sensitive Community Development and Social Policy
Research Interests: Child Protection, Community Development, Child-Sensitive Social Policy and
Adolescent Media Safety.
BIOGRAPHY
Ms Tabeth Kanhukamwe holds a Master of Science Degree in Child Sensitive Social Policies. Her research
interests are in child protection, community development and child-sensitive social policy, with a
particular focus on adolescent wellbeing, child rights, community participation, youth empowerment,
media influence and digital safety. She is interested in examining how families, communities, schools, civil
society organisations and government institutions can collaborate to protect children, strengthen
community development and promote inclusive, sustainable and child-centred policies and services.

Winnie Bakili is a lecturer in the Social Sciences Department at Women’s University in Africa. She holds an MSc degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from the University of Zimbabwe. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on religion, climate change, ageing and sexuality, with particular interest in how faith practices, generational dynamics, and sexual identities shape community responses to social and environmental change. She is passionate about student well-being and advocates for religious accommodation for minority faith students and accessible campus services. Winnie also collaborates on community projects in climate adaptation and elderly wellness. Her teaching and research seek to link lived experience with policy to promote resilient, equitable, and age-responsive communities.

Full Name: Ms. Rejoice Murisi

Current Position/Designation: Lecturer

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

· Master of Science in Sociology and Social Anthropology

· Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sociology

· Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Area of Specialisation: Gerontology / Geriatrics and Sociology of Religion

Research Interests/Areas of Expertise:

· Social Gerontology, Aging, and Elderly Care Systems

· Sociology and Anthropology of Religion

· Gender dynamics

· Social Policy

Professional Biography/Profile:

Rejoice Murisi is an academic and social scientist specializing in gerontology, geriatrics, and the sociology of religion. Holding a Master’s degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology, alongside a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sociology, her work explores the socio-cultural dimensions of aging, elderly care structures, and the influence of religious and spiritual belief systems on community health and social support. Complementing her scholarly qualifications, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, equipping her with advanced pedagogical strategies tailored for higher education instruction. Her research focuses on examining how faith, ritual, and societal dynamics influence the lived experiences of older populations to foster inclusive education and advance social policy frameworks.