ABOUT US

At the heart of our story lies the plight of transgender individuals in Zimbabwe and across the African continent. In a region where societal attitudes and legal frameworks often fail to recognize and protect the rights of transgender people, they face immense challenges and discrimination on a daily basis. Transgender individuals in Zimbabwe contend with a lack of legal recognition, limited access to healthcare services, and widespread social stigma. They often experience rejection from their families, communities, and even face violence and harassment. The struggle for transgender rights in Africa is a multifaceted battle, as it encompasses the fight for legal recognition, access to gender-affirming healthcare, protection from discrimination, and the promotion of inclusive education and employment opportunities. Despite the adversities they face, Trans Smart Trust champions transgender and intersex people's well-being in Zimbabwe. Founded in 2012 and registered as a Trust on the 16th of July 2016, the organization manages a portfolio of projects and programs targeting communities who include; persons living with HIV, people with disabilities, sex workers, drug users and other marginalized communities. Since inception our interventions have been classified into; Advocacy, Education, Life Skills and Livelihoods, Healthcare, legal support and emergency response.

Mission

To champion the human rights, capacity and agency of transgender and intersex people in realizing their wellbeing.

Vision

Sustainable wellbeing for transgender and intersex persons.

Values

Inclusivity, Empowerment, Collaboration, Intersectionality.

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At TransSmart, our dedicated team is composed of passionate individuals who are committed to advocating for and supporting the transgender community. With diverse backgrounds and skill sets, we come together with a shared purpose: to create positive change and uplift transgender individuals through various initiatives.

Executive Director

Gumisayi Bonzo

Gumisayi Bonzo is the executive director of TransSmart Trust Zimbabwe, a fearless advocate serving the marginalized key and vulnerable populations. She is also a founder of Zimbabwe Mighty women of Hope working with HIV positive ex-inmates. In 2021, she was announced as a PEPFAR heroine. In 2019 she earned herself the ARASA best trainee accolade from a cohort of 34 participants from 18 countries in Africa. She is fighting for the recognition and visibility of transgender and intersex persons and those who are HIV+. In January 2023 she received her second Frontline Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Edith Mukarati

Edith is a compassionate human whose main goal is to contribute to the well-being of the vulnerable populations. Joined Trans Smart Trust in 2017 and has accomplished several professional and personal achievements. She is a holder of an Honors Degree in Sociology and Gender Development, Special Honors in Monitoring and Evaluation and a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work.

Finance Officer

Isaac Moyo

Isaac moyo is a highly skilled and experienced finance officer currently serving in the role at Trans Smart Trust. With a solid background in finance and accounting, Isaac brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his position thereby contributing to the vision of the organisation

Logistics and Procument Officer

Daniella Devon

Daniella Devon is a Human Rights defender and Trans Activist. Joined Trans Smart Trust as Peer educator ,Buddie group member in 2016 doing community organizing and advocacy work.In 2021 under Global Fund Grant Daniella was employed as Driver.Daniella got a certificate in Counselling, through hard working now she is studying Development Studies and Microsoft Access Data Management.

Community

Focal Person

Ethan Tafadzwa Mashungupa

Ethan Tafadzwa Mashungupa is a passionate trans woman who has been working with Trans Smart since 2020 initially as a Focal Person for Masvingo and most recently as an Enhanced Peer Mobiliser. Ethan works closely with the Transgender Communities mobilising them to get the different services they need.