Grace Shamiso Nzombe (30) has become the face of healthcare in Gwanda district, Matabeleland South province, serving as a beacon of resilience and commitment in providing medical services to artisanal miners who contribute significantly to the local economy.
As an outreach nurse team leader for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Nzombe heads a multidisciplinary team delivering basic healthcare services to artisanal small-scale miners in outlying communities.
“I lead a multidisciplinary outreach team that offers basic healthcare services to artisanal small scale miners,” she said.
“This involves day-to-day outreach activities and ensuring the well-being and safety of the team.”
The programme was officially launched in January 2024, following an extensive planning phase.
“On average, 900 people access basic healthcare services from MSF outreaches,” Nzombe added.
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She emphasised that MSF works collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
MSF Zimbabwe’s country accountancy manager, Rumbidzai Rachel Mukura, joined the organisation in 2024.
She highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments for women.
“Women need safe environments where their voices are valued,” Mukura said.
“It gives me real fulfilment to know that I am contributing to a culture where women feel empowered.”
In a statement marking International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, MSF regional communications manager for Southern Africa, Angela Makamure, said women leaders play a critical role within MSF across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and eSwatini.
“They are a formidable force, supporting teams and making critical decisions that help ensure we deliver life-saving medical care to those who need it most,” Makura said.
She added that leading large and diverse teams often presents challenges, but women colleagues continue to demonstrate resilience, strength and determination in navigating complex humanitarian contexts.
“We celebrate the women across Southern Africa who lead and support MSF teams from medical, health promotion, finance, and epidemiology.
“Their leadership helps ensure that teams on the ground have the support they need to deliver critical medical care to patients every day,” Makura added.
United Nations Women executive director Sima Bahous urged women and girls to take action in breaking the silence.
“...nothing can and nothing will stop us until the equal rights of all women and girls are realised. International Women’s Day 2026 – women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot defend them,” she noted.