by Fungai Munetsi
ZCIEA National President Lorraine Ndlovu, who is also StreetNet International President, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award for championing Gender Equality at the inaugural Zimbabwe Gender Commission Awards on the 4th of September 2025 at Rainbow Towers in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission recognised Ndlovu’s remarkable contributions to advancing the rights of women and ensuring equal opportunities across Zimbabwe, as well as her impactful work on a regional and international scale. Her unwavering dedication to community service and tireless advocacy for gender equality make her a standout leader and an inspiration to many.
Ndlovu’s journey into gender advocacy began at the tender age of 21 when she volunteered her services to her community as a young worker. With tenacity and commitment, she quickly rose as a student leader, becoming the first Student Representative Council (SRC) President at her college. In this role, she fought for students’ rights and protection against rampant sexual harassment and abuse. Through her voluntary work with women’s rights organisations, she empowered women, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge necessary to advocate for their economic rights and personal freedoms.
In 2015, Ndlovu was elected as the National President of ZCIEA, a role that she has continued to excel in after her re-election in 2021. Under her leadership, ZCIEA has become a crucial platform for empowering informal sector workers, particularly women, advocating for their rights and promoting their economic interests.
In 2016, Ndlovu was elected as the first Woman President for StreetNet International, a global organisation representing informal workers, specifically street vendors, hawkers and cross-border traders in over 50 countries. She was re-elected as the President of StreetNet International in 2019, a position she still holds today. In addition to her roles with ZCIEA and StreetNet International, Lorraine Ndlovu also serves on the board of Women in Informal Employment Globalising and Organising (WIEGO), advocating for member-based organisations. Her accomplishments were further recognised when she was awarded the Schwab Foundation Collective Social Innovator of the Year in 2023.
Ndlovu’s passion for supporting vulnerable groups and advancing gender equality shines as a beacon of hope for countless individuals, particularly women, inspiring them to assert their rights and contribute positively to their communities.
After receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ndlovu expressed heartfelt gratitude and joy, emphasising her commitment to fostering an environment where girls grow up empowered and confident. “We still have a long way to go,” she acknowledged. “There are significant pushbacks against gender equality. While we have made some progress, we must continue working towards social protection coverage for all vulnerable groups—not just women but also people with disabilities, unemployed youth, and the elderly. Social protection should be an inalienable right, ensuring that everyone can lead a dignified life.”
Lorraine Ndlovu’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and relentless dedication to the pursuit of equality. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations to stand up for their rights and advocate for positive change in society.