10/06/2024
MSU Alumna Celebrated as Gender Equality Champion
Today, we are celebrating Melisa Nemangwe, a Class of 2023 Bachelor of Science in Psychology Honours Degree graduate, who was recently named the People’s Choice Gender Equality Award winner of the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards on the 25th of May in London, United Kingdom presented by Dr. Tererai Trent and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
The Women Changing the World Awards are a global awards program recognising the work of incredible women making a positive change in the world across a range of industries and areas including business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, product development, innovation and technology.
Melisa Nemangwe’s passion to advocate for the girl child rights dates back to her university days at MSU, where she served as the Chief Advisor for the Peer Education Network.
In 2023, Melisa was awarded a Behaviour Change Marker Award by Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT).
Driven by her passion, Melisa led the programs team under Champion Youth Zimbabwe, advocating for gender equality which saw her taking the lead in a Kadoma community-based organisation called Voice of Celebration.
Currently, she is coordinating the Web for Life Network, a female students and young women advocacy movement affiliated to SAYWHAT.
Speaking on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Melisa could not help to hide her excitement.
"Receiving the Women Changing the World People's Choice Gender Equality award is a deeply validating and emotional experience for me, recognising my advocacy for gender equality," she said.
Melisa’s achievement is not only a testament to her dedication in overcoming societal barriers underpinned in gender inequality but underscores the University’s stance in grooming students who are committed to address social inequalities.
Midlands State University International and Alumni Relations