Karen Chikonzo
Karen Chikonzo is a 24-year-old change-maker from Chitungwiza, holder of a BSc honors degree in Sociology and a passion for community development and social impact. Karen empowers young women and girls to reach their full potential and enjoys working with youths.
My focus areas include climate change, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the right to education. Through my work and engagements with Ignite Youth Organisation, Peace First, H.E.R Kind and The Tanyaradzwa Initiative, I have empowered young people in various communities with a focus on education, leadership development, mentorship and advocacy. As a TaLI 2024/2025 LEMHster I gained valuable insights into leadership and self-awareness- to help me plan, manage and implement my goals. It was a great honour to be selected for the LEMHs programme where I learnt about the Constitution, especially the importance of ensuring that it protects young women rights, providing a strong foundation that guarantees them gender equality, empowerment opportunities, support to pursue these opportunities and protection from all forms of violence and abuse.
My key takeaways from the 2024 LEMHs bootcamp include:
❖ Young women can be powerful change-makers in their communities.
❖ ICT can drive gender equality and empowerment.
❖ Feminism empowers women and girls to be their best selves.
❖ Understanding the constitution is crucial for positive change.
❖ Leadership begins with self-awareness, acceptance, and love.
❖ Young women can shape their own feminism and create their own path.
For my community project as I engage local leaders, I plan to tackle climate change and constitutionalism, educating my community about their rights and responsibilities and coming up with community climate action resolutions.
“I envision a society where informed, responsible citizens are resolute in advocating for their rights. I would also like to showcase the impact young women can have when empowered with knowledge, skills and a passion for positive change”.
