Kudzaishe Masendeke: Using Media to Promote Equality
Kudzaishe at work on one of her collaborations to educate girls on sexual and reproductive health.
My name is Kudzaishe Masendeke, and I’m a FIUTS SUSI participant from Masvingo, Zimbabwe. I’m passionate about advancing women’s rights and empowerment around the world. As a media practitioner, I focus on amplifying women’s voices to drive progress on gender equality.
Kudzaishe at home.
One of the key lessons I took away from SUSI was the importance of networking and building strong relationships. I realized that connecting with others in meaningful ways was essential for making the most of the experience and expanding my understanding of the world.
Before the SUSI program, my worldview was limited to my local surroundings in Zimbabwe. Being exposed to the diverse cultures of the Seattle region was a huge eye-opener. I wasn’t prepared for how different, yet interconnected, those cultures were compared to what I was used to back home. This experience made me appreciate the richness that comes from diversity of thought and background.
The month I spent in the SUSI program opened my eyes to the wider world and made me more globally minded. Before, I was mainly focused on my local community, but now I see that there’s so much more out there. It also humbled me—I realized how much I still have to learn from others and from the world.
At the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta.
Since returning from SUSI, I’ve been actively pursuing my goal of amplifying women’s voices for gender equality in Zimbabwe. I’ve taken on leadership roles, organized women’s empowerment events, and launched community initiatives to give marginalized voices a platform. I’ve also participated in global training programs on gender-sensitive journalism and human rights, which have helped me grow my skills and network beyond Zimbabwe.
One of my recent projects, in collaboration with the NGO Camp of Hope, focused on a school outreach programs to educate girls on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Alarmed by the statistic that 680 minors in my area became pregnant over the period of six months, we’re committed to empowering girls with knowledge to help them make informed decisions.
I’m grateful for how the SUSI program has transformed me into a more proactive, connected, and innovative individual, better equipped to achieve my goals of advancing women’s rights and driving change in my community.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and implemented in partnership with Meridian International Center.
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