Prof. Sunungurai Dominica Chingarande, a distinguished academic and independent consultant from Zimbabwe, boasts an illustrious career marked by scholarly accomplishments and professional achievements. Born on June 16, 1975, in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sunungurai holds Zimbabwean nationality and resides in Warren Park 1, Harare.

Educationally, Prof. Sunungurai pursued her academic journey at the prestigious University of Zimbabwe, where she attained a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2009, following earlier achievements of an MSc in Sociology and Social Anthropology in 2000 and a BSc (Hons) in Sociology in 1997. Complementing her academic credentials, Sunungurai pursued specialized training in Gender Mainstreaming in Development, Child Protection, Social Science Research Methodology, Peace Research Skills, and Alternative Research Methodologies, enhancing her expertise in diverse areas.

Proficient in English, Shona, and Ndebele, Prof. Sunungurai is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), the Anthropology Southern Africa Association, the Southern Africa Land and Agrarian Reform Network, and the Forum for African Women Educationists (Zimbabwe) FAWEZI.

Prof. Sunungurai’s professional journey encompasses a wide array of roles and responsibilities, ranging from academic leadership to consultancy engagements. As an academic, she has served as a lecturer in the Sociology Department at the University of Zimbabwe since March 2000, contributing to the intellectual development of numerous students over the years. She has also held various administrative positions within the university, including Chairperson of the Sociology Department and Vice Chairperson of the University of Zimbabwe Research Board.

Beyond academia, Prof. Sunungurai has made significant contributions as an independent consultant, collaborating with international, regional, and local consultancy firms such as LandallMills (UK), Particip GmbH (Germany), Research Methods International (Zimbabwe), and Development Solutions (Zimbabwe). Her consultancy work encompasses longitudinal research, baseline surveys, gender and social inclusion analysis, and evaluations of development projects, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in diverse contexts.

Prof. Sunungurai’s professional journey also includes notable leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa since April 2021, Vice Chancellor of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University from March 2016 to 2019, and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the same institution from September 2014 to February 2016.

Furthermore, Prof. Sunungurai’s regional experience extends beyond Zimbabwe, with engagements in countries such as Rwanda, The Gambia, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi, reflecting her commitment to addressing social development issues across the African continent.

Prof. Sunungurai’s contributions to academia, research, and consultancy underscore her dedication to advancing knowledge, promoting social justice, and fostering sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond. Her multifaceted expertise and leadership continue to inspire positive change and empower communities across Africa.