AS Women’s Month unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the women who have shaped my journey, women who have embodied the spirit of resilience, collaboration, and unyielding feminist power.
Among them, Everjoice Jeketa Win, affectionately known as EJ, stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Win was not just a colleague; she was a mentor, a sister, and a force of nature whose presence in my life was transformative.
This tribute is a celebration of her life, our journey together, and the lessons she taught me about what it means to be a global feminist, especially as a Black African woman navigating the complexities of activism, solidarity, and systemic change.
I first met Win at ActionAid International, where I was working as a youth advisor for East and Southern Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At the time, I was still finding my footing in the world of activism, grappling with the weight of systemic injustices and the responsibility of advocating for marginalised voices.
Win, as ActionAid’s Global Head of Women’s Rights, was a towering figure, a woman whose brilliance, wit, and unapologetic commitment to justice commanded respect and admiration.
From the moment we met, Win’s presence was magnetic. She had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and valued, even in a room full of seasoned activists.
Her laughter was infectious, her wisdom profound, and her ability to connect with people across generations, geographies, and ideologies was unparalleled. Win was not just a leader; she was a builder of movements, a nurturer of dreams, and a fierce advocate for collective power.
Our journey together was marked by collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to dismantling systems of oppression. Win’s leadership at ActionAid was transformative.
She spearheaded ground-breaking campaigns such as Women Won’t Wait, which linked HIV/Aids and violence against women, and Hunger Free Women, which advocated for women’s rights to land and small-holder farmers’ rights.
These campaigns were not just about addressing symptoms of inequality; they were about challenging the root causes of oppression and centering the voices of those most affected.
Win taught me that feminism is not a solo journey; it is a collective struggle. She believed in the power of collaboration, in the importance of building bridges across issues, geographies, and identities.
“There is enough room in the sky for all birds to fly without colliding,” she once said in a podcast with Professor Awino Okech. “Older women, younger women, queer women, gay people, and everyone in between, there is enough room for us to fly without colliding.
“However, equally, it’s even more important for us to recognise the collective power that we have if we decide to mobilise it and marshal it strategically.”
These words have stayed with me, shaping my approach to activism and my understanding of what it means to be a feminist. Win’s feminism was inclusive, intersectional, and deeply rooted in the realities of Black African women.
She understood that our struggles are interconnected, that the fight for gender equality cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice, economic justice, and climate justice.
Win’s life was a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s values, even in the face of adversity.
Born in Shurugwi, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Win’s journey was shaped by the political, economic, and cultural transformations of her time.
From her early encounters with racism and segregation at Girls High School to her ground-breaking work with the Women’s Action Group, Win’s activism was deeply rooted in her lived experiences and her unwavering commitment to justice.
Her career spanned decades and continents, from her role as deputy editor of Speak Out Magazine to her leadership at ActionAid International and the Shine Campaign.
Win was a co-founder of the African Feminist Forum, the National Constitutional Assembly of Zimbabwe, and the Women in Politics Support Unit, among many other initiatives.
Her work influenced policy and legislation, transformed lives, and inspired a new generation of activists. Win’s leadership was not just about achieving tangible outcomes; it was about creating spaces for others to thrive.
She mentored countless activists, including myself, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. She believed in the power of young people, in the importance of amplifying their voices, and in the need to pass the baton to the next generation.
Working alongside Win was a masterclass in feminist leadership. She taught me the importance of authenticity, of staying true to oneself even in the face of pressure to conform. Win was unapologetically herself, whether she was wearing her signature NARS lipstick, sharing her love for Reggae music, or challenging oppressive systems with her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve.
She also taught me the importance of self-care, of finding joy in the midst of struggle.
“No matter what life throws at you,” she once said, “never stint on the three-step care of your face! Wash. Tone. Moisturise. Life is best tackled with a clean visage … and some NARS lipstick. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. No bra!”
This advice, delivered with her characteristic humour, was a reminder that self-care is not a luxury; it is a radical act of resistance.
Win’s legacy is a reminder that feminism is not just about fighting against oppression; it is about building a world where everyone can thrive.
It is about recognising our collective power and using it to create change. As we navigate the current global backlash against women’s rights, Win’s words and actions serve as a guiding light, reminding us of the importance of solidarity, resilience, and hope.
Win’s passing is a profound loss, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the movements she helped build. As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us honour Win’s memory by continuing the work she started — by fighting for justice, amplifying marginalised voices, and building a world where everyone can fly without colliding.
Rest in power, Win. Your light continues to guide us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your legacy inspires us to keep fighting for a better world.
“Well, here I am ... very blessed. Very much loved. Truly grateful.”
Indeed, Win, we are blessed to have known you, loved to have learned from you, and grateful for the indelible mark you left on our lives and our world.
Rest in power, sister. Your journey continues through us. Until then, let us keep spreading positivity (#spreadpositivity). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
- Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo; WhatsApp:+263772719650.
