Jestina Mukoko

Jestina Mukoko is a distinguished human rights defender, journalist, peace advocate, and civil society leader. She founded the Jestina Mukoko Foundation to provide a sanctuary and platform for those affected by trauma to share their stories as the initial step in their journey of healing and restoration. As former National Director of Zimbabwe Peace Project, a non-profit organisation, She has been dedicated to promoting sustainable peace by tracking and reporting human rights abuses and breaches of peace across Zimbabwe.

 A survivor of state-sponsored violence, Mukoko bravely documented her harrowing experience in her book, The Abduction and Trial of Jestina Mukoko: The Fight for Human Rights in Zimbabwe, published in 2016. 

A political scientist by training, Mukoko holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Defending Human Rights, and an Executive Master’s Degree in Managing Peace and Security in Africa. For her outstanding contributions to democracy, human rights, and peace advocacy, the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe honored her as one of the 50 Inspirational Women of 2020-2021. 

Mukoko has been engaged in work to analyse fault lines impacting cohesion in the opposition in Zimbabwe. She has been a member of the IFIT Zimbabwe Resources Group since its inception in 2016.