dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
PROMINENT educationist Dr Patricia Gonde of Lusitania Primary School in Harare has been nominated for the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards.
The Women Changing the World Awards, presented by the British Duchess of York, Ms Sarah Ferguson, and Ms Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favourite guest, Dr Tererai Trent, celebrate and recognise women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, tech, product development, education, health and innovation.
The winners of the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards will be announced at a glamorous event in London, United Kingdom, this May.
In a statement, Ms Ferguson said the awards not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also sought to inspire others to create change in ways both big and small.
“Our aim is to give voice to silent whispers. We want to lift women up all over the world and tell their stories,” she said
Dr Trent said women were strong and held the ideas and leadership to heal the world.
“These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.”
The vision for these awards is to empower women everywhere and call on women across the globe to unite and pave the way towards a better future for all.
In an interview, Dr Gonde said the work was important because it leveraged her unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership in education and advocacy to make a tangible difference in the world.
“I stand out for my dedication to elevating academic standards at Lusitania Primary School and my global advocacy and humanitarian efforts, particularly in empowering girls, women, and educators through initiatives like Girls and Women Leading Our World,” she said.
“My active participation in shaping educational policies and programmes worldwide and my hands-on humanitarian work in Zimbabwe showcase my belief in the transformative power of education. By championing gender equality, sustainability, and the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals, I am changing lives and communities, demonstrating how education can be a powerful tool for global change.
“Let us take charge and make change happen. Whether through small actions in our everyday lives or more significant efforts to effect systemic change, each of us has a role in creating a better future.
“It is easy to feel overwhelmed by our many challenges as a society. However, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all by taking responsibility for our actions and working together. So, let us remember that change starts with us and let us seize the opportunity to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.”
Dr Gonde is an accomplished and dedicated individual with a passion for education.
As head of academics and a respected global educator, she has authored motivational literature and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience as a professional and motivational speaker.
Dr Gonde is also committed to humanitarian efforts and empowering girls, women, and educators through her initiatives, such as the Heartfelt Teachers Network Global and Girls/Women Leading Our World.
In Zimbabwe, she supports vulnerable individuals and underprivileged students, firmly believing in the transformative power of education.
Dr Gonde’s leadership extends beyond the classroom as she fosters 21st-century skills and amplifies student voices, exemplified by her involvement in prestigious international events like COP28 in Dubai, BIKEP Cultural exchange in New Delhi, India and Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023.
Her commitment to global advocacy is evident in her extensive involvement as a board member for Imani4all and Emerald Education Services and her esteemed position as the country chair for G100 Women and Ladies of All Nations International.
In this role, she spearheads the development of educational policies and programmes that promote gender equality, peace, and the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals.
Over the past year, Dr Gonde has led her students to global forums and earned numerous international accolades in the field of education, including the International Influential Educator Award, Shining Star Merit Award, Global Leader of the Year Award, Global Women Iconic Award, MIE Expert, and Outstanding Edu-Leader.
She credits her success to her unwavering dedication to education and women’s empowerment, as well as her tireless effort and hard work.
Online Reporter