THE BOARD of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is delighted to announce the appointment of Bellinda Chinowawa as the organisation’s Executive Director, with effect from 1 March 2026.
Chinowawa is a seasoned human rights lawyer with over 16 years of experience in championing human rights, gender equality, and democratic governance. She has led initiatives across local civil society and international development organisations advancing justice sector reform, civic space, and citizen participation. Chinowawa holds advanced law degrees from the University of Oxford and Columbia Law School and is widely recognised for her leadership in strengthening rights‑based governance and expanding access to justice. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to building inclusive institutions and empowering communities to claim and defend their rights.
Before her appointment as Executive Director of ZLHR, Chinowawa previously served as Access to Justice Manager at ZLHR, worked as a Democracy and Governance Specialist at USAID and as a Political Officer at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The ZLHR Board is confident in the robust skills and capabilities of Chinowawa at a precarious moment when enjoyment of human rights is under severe attack in Zimbabwe.
“We are delighted to welcome Bellinda Chinowawa and her ambition for what ZLHR can achieve and look forward to working with her as our team lead at such a crucial and critical time in Zimbabwe,” said Rudo Magundani, ZLHR Board Chairperson.
Chinowawa said she looks forward to building on all that ZLHR previously achieved, thereby ensuring that human rights become and remain the foundation of the Zimbabwean society.
“I am humbled and honoured to take up this enormously important role at ZLHR, an organisation that I have dedicated so much of my life to, and which has such a crucial role to play in defending human rights at a moment of profound urgency. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me. It is an honour to step into this role at such a pivotal time for our organisation as we continue to strengthen ZLHR’s mission of fostering a culture of human rights in Zimbabwe,” said Chinowawa.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Kodzero/Amalungelo House
No. 103 Sam Nujoma Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: (+263 8677005347, +263 242 764085/705370/708118
Email: info@zlhr.org
www.zlhr.org.zw
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