Chiedza Gadzirayi:

Name: Marlene Chiedza Gadzirayi
Country: Zimbabwe
Age: 23
Language: English, Shona

Relevant Experience:

• Served as Vice President of The Students Representative Council at Bindura University (2006-2007)
• Served as International Relations Secretary in the Zimbabwe National Students Union (2008-2010)
• Holder of a Bachelor of Accountancy Honours Degree
• Worked as a Finance intern at the Students Solidarity Trust (2007-2008) and Finance Assistant (2009-March 2010)
• Current Finance Officer – National Movement of Catholic Students
• Member of the WYMD (2009 – present)
• Served on the Review Committee for the annua lWYMD essay contest (2009)

Why do you want to serve on the Board?

As a young woman, I have experienced the brutality of dictatorship in my country as a consequence of my involvement in the struggle for the emancipation of students and young people in general. I would want to serve on the Board so as to add a voice and value to the female voice which over the years has been either ignored or not been loud enough. I believe that by doing this, the struggle for democracy in Africa and the world over will be on a balanced platform in terms of young men and women working together, and thus justifying my inclusion in the Board.

What skills can you contribute to the leadership and objectives of the network?

• Leadership and conflict resolution skills gained from the trainings I have received at different platforms
• Motivational skills, especially to young women who are reluctant to join the struggle for democracy
• To add value to young people’s vision for democracy through the experience that I hold in being a member of the WYMD

What do you envision for the future of the WYMD?

I foresee it growing into an internationally recognised institute of young people where democratic and governance policies are propagated and formulated. I also envision the WYMD being a platform where young people the world over will emerge and share experiences and ideas and in solidarity shape their future and destiny.