Evelyn Chijarira, Chief Executive Officer UWCL

Evelyn is a human rights lawyer who advocates for women's rights, challenges gender-based discrimination, and promotes equal opportunities for all. She is also deeply committed to nurturing children and safeguarding their well-being. She holds an LLB from University of Sheffield, LLM (General Law) from University of South Wales and currently pursuing a second LLM specializing in women and children’s rights from University of London.

She has more than ten years-experience working on issues surrounding human rights, good governance, rule of law, and democracy. Currently the CEO at United We Change Lives, she works on projects to foster the power of grassroots movements and make a positive impact in marginalized communities. She works towards amplifying marginalized voices, challenge systemic inequalities, and contribute to sustainable community development.

A Word from Evelyn

I draw inspiration from many experiences in my life, but three have had a profound impact on me: the women I grew up around, the children I encountered in my early years, and the training I participated in at the Makwanyane Institute.

During my early years in Zimbabwe, I lived in a close-knit extended family. I vividly remember witnessing my mother and aunts juggling multiple roles and responsibilities with little recognition. Conversations about the limited opportunities available to female relatives and friends were common. These struggles of amazing women left a deep sense of injustice within me, and I was determined to do something to bring them more recognition and acknowledgement.

In the village, I saw young girls, no older than 15, whom I used to play with being married off and no longer attending school. Discussions about various forms of child abuse and domestic violence were frequent, sometimes dramatized to make them seem comical. The most disheartening part was that many cases went unreported, and those reported often had charges dropped and settled within families. These experiences instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and fueled a burning passion to address the impunity surrounding such issues.

In 2019, I had the privilege of participating in the Makwanyane training, an intensive educational program for capital defenders. This life-changing opportunity, organized by Cornell University, brought together world-class capital defenders from different parts of the world. The training completely transformed my outlook on litigating capital offenses, life on death row, and the psychological impact of imprisonment. It was a truly eye-opening experience.

I believe it is essential to extend support and understanding to those who face injustices and lack opportunities. My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of women, children, and all those who suffer from the consequences of injustice. Together, let's strive for a better and more equitable world!