By Staff Reporter
The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence has appointed Ms. Takunda Jessie Chihota as its Interim Executive Director, with effect from 1 January 2026.
The organization expressed optimism over the new director’s capabilities to spur greater heights.
“The organization looks forward to this leadership transition and remains committed to advancing feminist leadership, gender equality, and women’s political power,” WALPE said in a statement to stakeholders.
Chihota is not new within the organization which she has served in the role of programs manager where she oversaw the design and implementation of leadership development initiatives aimed at increasing women’s political participation, strengthening grassroots organizing, and nurturing young women leaders across Zimbabwe.
WALPE said her performance over the years demonstrated both strategic depth and operational competence, making her a natural choice to steer the institution during this interim phase.
She ascends to the top position at a time when civil society organisations focused on women’s leadership are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate impact, sustainability, and relevance, particularly in politically constrained and economically fragile environments.
