Our #WCW today is Nyasha Gwatidzo, a renowned social entrepreneur with a remarkable journey spanning over three decades. Born in a rural village in Zimbabwe, Nyasha’s passion for helping children in need was evident from a young age. She began her career in the UK, where she pursued her studies and later transitioned into social entrepreneurship.
Nyasha’s journey as a social entrepreneur started in 1987 when she founded her first social enterprise, a therapy group for teenage girls who had been sexually abused. This pioneering work was followed by the establishment of the first independently run therapeutic home for children with emotional and behavioral difficulties in 1992. The children’s home provided a safe space for healing and rehabilitation for children who had been abused, neglected, or enslaved.
Over the years, Nyasha has launched and built several successful multi-million-pound social enterprises in the UK, generating a cumulative £130 million turnover. Her ventures have had a profound impact on thousands of vulnerable children in both the UK and Zimbabwe. Notably, she founded Banya Family Placement Agency and Vana Trust, organizations that have helped over 4,000 children in need.
Nyasha’s achievements have been recognized globally, and she has received numerous awards for her outstanding work. Some of her notable awards include the Business Owner Award for UK from the European Federation of Black Women Business Leaders in 1998, Best Social Enterprise of the Year from Lambeth’s in 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Great British Expo Awards in 2022.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Nyasha is also a dedicated mentor and has created the Walk With Me program to guide social entrepreneurs through the process of founding and growing successful social enterprises. Her experience and expertise have empowered countless change-makers worldwide.
Today, Nyasha continues to inspire and make a lasting impact through her various ventures and initiatives. Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and purpose-driven leadership.
Dandaro Online, Zimbabwe Appreciation
