Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I was born and raised in Mutare, a small town in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. As a child growing up in the valley town, I always dreamt of rising above and beyond the mountains which surrounded me and exploring new worlds which I read about in my books. My parents sacrificed the little they had to pay for my education, and that motivated me to study hard. I had an enormous thirst to learn, and I always went an extra mile to learn new things. My curiosity for topics outside the curricula pushed me to develop research skills and made me an open-minded person and a critical thinker which made me stand out as a student. From reading a lot, I developed a passion for writing and this opened doors of opportunities for me to further my education as I won the SADC secondary school essay contest and two other national awards in essay writing. As well, my enthusiasm for science was huge, and I always challenged myself to prove to a society that excluded females from STEM education that girls can indeed excel in science. Coming from a family with a strong farming background, I was determined to use science to improve agriculture in my country and transform farming into a profitable business. I was awarded a prestigious MasterCard Foundation scholarship to pursue my career in agricultural engineering at EARTH University in Costa Rica where I am striving to innovate and advance agriculture through science.

Q: What is your view of the world as it is today? And how do you define the concept of a better world?

The world today is more connected and integrated than ever before. I think that the positive effects of this highly linked global society are outweighing the negatives outcomes. Thanks to technology, people are uniting virtually to solve societal problems. While this is happening, individuals are becoming more independent and are striving towards improving themselves. Although several faults and challenges still exist in the world, I feel that most of the solutions are already known. What is becoming more difficult is the implementation of these solutions. My concept of a better world is a world which lives in harmony with nature through conserving natural resources and biodiversity. Who doesn’t love the beauty of nature? And yet, we continue to destroy and pollute our environment. The challenge we face today is achieving economic and environmental sustainability and then from there, we could solve the societal challenges we are facing.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society?

In my society, the biggest challenge is political instability. Poor leadership and the implementation of biased policies have debilitated the economy resulting in lack of access to basic commodities and high unemployment rates, and thus poverty. Also, gender inequality suppresses females resulting in their poor contributions towards the economic development.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

I grew up in a very conservative family and that has formed part my character which makes me a reserved person. Growing up, I had difficulties interacting and collaborating with my colleagues because I was too independent and I naturally felt at ease working alone. It took me a process of discovery to learn to work efficiently both individually and in a group. Even though I still feel like an introvert, I have improved a lot and I can now perform effectively in teamwork and collaborate with others.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

As a young person still in the early stages of my career, there is a lot I still need to learn. Usually, the most important lessons I shall have to apply in the workplace when I graduate are not taught in the classroom. I embrace the opportunity to interact and learn from my mentor, a professional who has already passed through the stages I am still working on. My mentor plays a vital role in providing insights on the type of skills I need to develop in order to survive in the real professional world. Learning from someone with experience is much more applicable than other forms learning. Most importantly, the guidance and advice I receive from my mentor is priceless and enlightening.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

Everyone is not perfect, but there is something good about everyone.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Higherlife Foundation which supports orphaned and vulnerable children through the provision of education and material support.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Most Zimbabwean women suffer discrimination under the patriarchal social system where males are regarded as more important than females. This has suppressed female participation in political and economic issues and has promoted gender-based violence and discrimination. However, efforts to empower women through education are being made. Female education guarantees a future generation of empowered women who are competent to participate and contribute to the economic development of the country as well as take up leadership positions and become policymakers.

Q: Athena40 is the first ever global selection of the top 40 women forward thinkers, commentators, activists, authors, academics, entrepreneurs, executives, innovators. Can you think of a truly innovative and forward-thinking woman from your country that you wish to nominate for the Athena40 global ranking?

Ruramiso Mashumba

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

Most young people, especially women, shun agriculture and regard farming as a career for the poor. I am optimistic about agriculture and I strive to deliver agricultural innovation in order to create successful agribusinesses and end hunger and starvation in the world. Afterall, "an industry that feeds you, is an industry worth fighting for."

Q: Tell us one thing that you have learned from your mentor.

From my mentor, I have learned to embrace and use my voice and to be confident to speak my mind.