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Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

NEWLY appointed UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Ms Etona Ekole presented her credentials on Wednesday to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Frederick Shava.

In a statement by UNICEF, Ms. Ekole will succeed Dr Tajudeen Oyewale as head of the United Nations Children’s Fund in Zimbabwe. She will oversee the development and implementation of the UNICEF Country Programme 2022-2026.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Fredrick Shava accepted Ms Ekole’s credentials and said: “We are excited to welcome Ms Etona Ekole as the new UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe. Her expertise and dedication will greatly enhance our efforts to support women and children.

“UNICEF has established strong partnerships with various ministries, including the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, where we focus on empowering learners, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”

Dr Shava added that Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Regional World Children’s Day offers a significant opportunity to advocate for children’s rights.

“Additionally, assuming the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) empowers us to advance the well-being of women and children across the region collaboratively. We look forward to working together towards our shared goals.”

Ms Ekole has held several critical positions within UNICEF and the UN system, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy skills.

As the Representative for UNICEF Guinea Bissau, she successfully convened strategic dialogues with national stakeholders and development partners, driving efforts to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Her ability to position UNICEF as a trusted partner and address child-related concerns has been a career hallmark.

In her role as Special Representative ad interim for UNICEF in the State of Palestine, Etona chaired critical inter-agency groups, led UNICEF’s response to COVID-19, and coordinated efforts to enhance primary health care and education.

Ms Ekole, presenting her credentials, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for fostering a strong diplomatic relationship between the Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations family, especially UNICEF. I commend the Ministry for the approval of the Agrément and for the warm reception I have received as the incoming UNICEF Representative.”

She added that she was deeply committed to further enhancing the longstanding partnership and collaboration that the Government of Zimbabwe has maintained with UNICEF.

Etona congratulated the Minister on the preparations underway to host the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, underscoring UNICEF’s availability to support a focus on child rights and child-related issues during Zimbabwe’s tenure as Chair of SADC.

Ms Ekole commended the Government of Zimbabwe for its leadership and preparations towards the 2024 Regional World Children’s Day celebrations centred on inclusive, relevant, and high-quality education, aligning with the African Union’s focus on Education in 2024. Ms Ekole pledged UNICEF’s support towards the celebrations.

Etona has a strong track record in managing country programs and developing innovative multi-sectoral approaches. She led diverse teams in Guinea, Bissau, and Palestine to achieve high-impact health, nutrition, education, child protection, and water sanitation programming goals.

Her strategic vision and ability to build strong relationships with government bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders have been vital in raising awareness and forming coalitions to meet critical results linked to the SDGs.

Etona has shown a deep commitment to staff well-being and empowerment throughout her career. She has established mechanisms to ensure staff safety, security, and well-being, fostering an environment where team members can thrive and contribute effectively to UNICEF’s mission.

Her notable leadership and mentoring capabilities have helped create learning and professional growth spaces, benefiting staff and the organisation.

Elaborating on her Vision for the Future, Etona said she inherits a hard-working team. With their support, extensive experience, and expertise, she is confident in empowering the women and children of Zimbabwe.

Ms Ekole’s position is uniquely to lead UNICEF Zimbabwe in its mission to improve the lives of children and families. Her dedication to child rights advocacy, strategic program management, and partnership building will be invaluable as UNICEF Zimbabwe addresses pressing challenges and works towards a brighter future for all children.