“I spent over two decades of my life listening to stories of serious human rights violations around the country. I have come face to face with the ugliness of violence. I survived. I thrived. I want the same or even more for everyone else. I believe the time has come for me to dedicate my life to helping many survivors regain their dignity. This is why I am introducing a new sanctuary for healing and restoration.”
The Jestina Mukoko Foundation (JMF) was founded by long time Zimbabwean human rights champion and outgoing Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP). JMF is an idea that is now set to come to life on 3 December 2023. This date is very significant as it marks 15 years since Jestina Mukoko was abducted by state agents on 3 December 2008 and her life transformed.
While the process of developing the initial strategy is ongoing, the beginning point is very clear for JMF. The following are the three strategic areas of focus in the first three years of the JMF.
More often than not, true healing takes place in private spaces, away from the spotlight. While JMF will work with mainstream civil society organization to gain access to survivors and victims, it seeks to operate in a quiet and almost invisible manner.