IHRAM Writivism influencer Mbizo Chirasha in an exclusive conversation with Zimbabwean young writer and award–winning environmentalist, Tariro L. Maderera

MC: Who is  Tariro Maderera and what do you do?
Tariro Maderera: I am a environmentalist, climate advocate and education enthusiast. Hence I work with the environment which includes nature and people (society) to live harmoniously. Therefore I work to ensure that our society can sustainably live with the environment through environmental projects, education and empowerment for mitigation and adaptation.  I am an avid learner in what I am passionate about and always seek more hence why I chose to pursue a degree in geography and environment. I use my creative talents to show my message or my thoughts hence why I am a visual creative who has interest in art, graphic design and writing.

MC: Do you sometimes write some essays, short stories and poetry?
Tariro Maderera: Yes I write short stories and essays. Conveying stories that can have a profound impact on someone is something I am passionate about pursuing. I write stories related to the female experience with regards to her environment, culture and society.

MC: You have been doing a lot  of work on environmental and climate change issues?
Tariro Maderera: Yes I have, education wise I am a graduate student of Geography and Environmental studies from Midlands State University. I was the vice president of the MSU Environmental Society which was a club that worked with students to enhance environmental action and practices not only on campus but neighbouring communities as well. Most recently, I am the co-founder of an environmental organisation called the woman drive for the earth and I serve as its programs coordinator. Which entails having to work with local organisations in the environmental space to come up with projects such as tree planting, waste projects and clean up campaigns. I am also the  host of an environmental podcast called the Midlands Climate Conversations where we impact our local region with education and awareness if environmental issues.

MC: Have you won any awards on your area of professionalism, work and talent?
Tariro Maderera: I was the recipient of a team project at my university, the Vice Chancellors Challenge, where we won the best project relating to the environmental response to covid-19 pandemic.

MC: For how long have you doing environmental and climate  change activism?
Tariro Maderera: For 5 years

MC: I understand you earned something closer to a fellowship last week, can you explain more about that?
Tariro Maderera: I was selected to be a Friends For nature mentorship program which is an environmental mentorship program for young people across the African continent. I get to learn and interact with climate actors across Africa. The program aims to initiate environmental impact projects in each target country and the end goal of the mentorship is to develop a sustainable environmental impact project.

MC: Do you do more work within your spaces to empower girls, young women and women?
Tariro Maderera: Yes, our organisations aims to ensure that all people are educated and empowered on living in areas affected by climate change. Women and Girls are most affected by climate change hence, the aim is to educate and emancipate the vulnerable groups against the negative effects of climate change.

MC: How are you received as a young women leader in the climate change NGO Sector?
Tariro Maderera: I am received with interest as young women in such spaces can be sparce especially those that are quite young. They want to know my story and sometimes see me with as an inspiration to other young people.

MC: Do you think Zimbabwe is giving space to young women scholars, activists and human rights defenders?
Tariro Maderera: Yes, Zimbabwe is giving space and opportunities for young women scholars as we see a growing number of women becoming leaders in the NGO space. Women have access to funding , education and other opportunities as the girl child is being given a chance.

Tariro Letty Maderera is a passionate environmental advocate  hailing from Gweru Midlands region of Zimbabwe. At just 23 years old, she has made a remarkable impact  through her multi faceted work in environmental science and grassroots activism. With a bachelor's degree in Geography and Environmental Science from Midlands State University, Tariro brings a strong academic foundation to her on-the-ground efforts.