Esinathi Zimanyiwa

Esinathi Zimanyiwa is a dynamic youth leader and social justice advocate whose work is grounded in lived experience, community connection, and feminist values. With a strong passion for equity and inclusion, Esinathi has carved out a leadership path focused on transforming the lives of young people, particularly girls and marginalized groups, through purposeful engagement and grassroots empowerment. Her leadership journey has been shaped by her active participation in several prestigious youth development platforms, including the SAfAIDS Youth Programme, the Next Goal Generation initiative, and the Youth Leadership Development Winter School under YETT. Each of these spaces offered Esinathi a platform to amplify her voice, sharpen her leadership skills, and collaborate with like-minded changemakers across the region.
At the WoMandla Foundation Trust, Esinathi has been a pivotal force in advancing feminist advocacy, youth organizing, and community-driven solutions. Her approach to leadership is deeply participatory, ensuring that the stories, needs, and ideas of young people are not only heard but are at the center of program design and implementation. Whether she’s leading dialogues, facilitating training, or representing youth voices in strategic spaces, Esinathi consistently brings passion, integrity, and clarity of purpose. Her work spans critical areas such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender justice, climate resilience, and youth-led accountability.

• Position:Research and Business