Architecting Feminist Power: How WALPE’s Sitabile Dewaa is Training a 19,000-Strong Army of Women Leaders
In the face of systemic political violence, deeply entrenched gender stereotypes, and severe underrepresentation in governance, Sitabile Dewa has spent over a decade on the frontlines rewriting the rules of political power in Zimbabwe.
As the first runner-up for the Human Rights Impact Award, Sitabile stands as one of Africa’s most formidable forces in conflict transformation. As the Executive Director of the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE Africa), she has transitioned from a civil society advocate into an institutional architect, systematically building a pipeline for transformative feminist leadership.
“True human rights cannot exist while more than half of the population is systematically locked out of decision-making. We aren’t just asking for a seat at the table; we are entirely restructuring how the table works,” she says.
Pioneering Africa’s Political School for Women
Sitabile’s strategic brilliance lies in institutionalizing political education. Under her visionary command, WALPE established Zimbabwe’s historic, first-ever dedicated political academy for women—a high-octane incubator that has completely disrupted the status quo:
19,000+ Aspiring Leaders Trained: Cultivating a network of over 19,000 women nationwide, equipping them with the campaign strategies, public policy acumen, and resilience required to win and hold public office.
Dismantling Unjust Frameworks:Leading high-stakes litigation and fierce legislative advocacy campaigns to challenge and strike down regressive laws that inhibit women from running for office.
The Care Economy Revolution: Spearheading the aggressive push for an official Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) policy framework in the Zimbabwean Parliament—a historic legislative effort engineered to lift the crushing, undocumented burden of unpaid domestic labor off the shoulders of women.
Elite Credentials Driving Systemic Reform
Sitabile’s unyielding grassroots execution is backed by elite academic credentials. Holding a Master’s degree in Human Rights, Peace, and Development alongside a Master’s in International Relations, she blends human rights theory with sophisticated diplomatic and conflict-resolution strategies.
For Sitabile, being named a finalist for The List Awards is an injection of momentum into a larger, intergenerational movement.
“This recognition means the distinct contributions we are making to the democratic space are being seen and felt,” Sitabile says.
“But an award is a milestone, not the finish line. Win or lose, our strategy remains relentless. The fight for absolute equality continues, and we are just getting started.”