Tinevimbo Matambanadzo epitomizes the essence of leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and championing gender equality across Zimbabwe.
With almost a decade of experience, Tinevimbo’s journey began in 2014. However, she quickly realised that bringing about change was not as simple as she initially thought. She had to put in a tremendous amount of work and establish a solid foundation for her mission.
Tinevimbo’s unwavering dedication to sensitising the community about the importance of girls having a voice and the power to make decisions has made her a trusted community leader and her foundation highly sought after.
Her personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping her advocacy work. As someone living with Stage 4 endometriosis and Adenomyosis, she has faced immense challenges and loneliness throughout her journey to diagnosis.
Determined to create awareness and support for other women in Zimbabwe and Africa with endometriosis, she established the As I Am Foundation and the Zimbabwe Endometriosis Support Network. Through these initiatives, Tinevimbo aims to provide crucial resources and support to women in need.
Tinevimbo’s advocacy extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. As an ambassador for Healp.co, she strives to raise awareness about women’s health and reproductive grievances. Her belief in the power of awareness drives her to be part of the digital conversation that will help break the taboo nature of reproductive health in Africa.
A central pillar of Tinevimbo’s work is giving women a voice and the power to make decisions about their health and wellness, particularly concerning endometriosis. She recognizes that women have historically been vulnerable, and it’s essential to strive for their freedom of choice and emancipation.
Tinevimbo aims to break the stigma and encourage open conversations about menstrual health, addressing issues like period pain, infertility, and the silent suffering that so many women endure.
Tinevimbo’s own experience with endometriosis has greatly influenced her advocacy, Philanthropy and work writing. Understanding the importance of accessible information and education about reproductive health, she uses her writing as a medium to educate and start conversations. Her books, “Turning Pain into Power” and “Unmasking Endometriosis,” offer guidance, support, and awareness for those seeking answers about this condition.
On what motivated her to educate communities, donate sanitary wear, and teach women and girls how to make their own, in order to normalize period conversations and create sustainability, she said, “I believe in the empowerment and development of women and it starts from the basics. Period conversations are still very taboo and because of this many women and girls suffer in silence.
My motivation to educate communities comes from the desire to support women through reproductive health matters and to empower them so that they have a better chance at development. When women and girls are equipped with the correct information and have access to affordable health care, then they have a greater chance to succeed in the world and be the women they were meant to be.”
Here are some of the awards Tino has received so far:
- Women Changing The World Awards 2023 Winner : Health and Well-being
- Humanitarian of the year Non Profit
- Woman in Wellness
- Zim Ceos Network Phenomenal Woman of Impact Award
- Donors For Africa Top 50 African Women in Development
- Women Icon Authentic Leader of the Year Award (In the category of Women Inspiration Awards)
- Women in Leadership Hub : Impact Woman Collaborator Award 2023
- Zimbabwe’s 50 most inspirational women award – Ngo category
- Obama Foundation leader – Africa
