I was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 1984. My names - Fungai and Rufaro - resepctively mean 'To Think' and 'Happiness'. Sometimes I think my parents were prophets because those two acts typify my character. I am constantly in pursuit of thought and happiness...

I have worked in HIV and AIDS communication since 2006, with almost one year spent working in South Africa. Through my work, I have been able to address gender issues within the context of a virus that heavily affects my region of the world. More women than men are affected still due to the gender inequalities that abound within our societies and cultures.

I am also a published author in the genres of short fiction and poetry and have recently released a poetry anthology with three other Zimbabwean woman. The most successful of my poems in the book is one entitled 'I Am Not Ketchup' - which speaks to the fact that I will not accept being a man's side dish or mistress - something which is quite common in Zimbabwe!!! Every time I perform that piece, the men go very silent!

I like to push the enevelope, hence the birth of my blog 'Fungai Neni' (this means 'think with me' in the local Shona language and is available at http://fungaineni.wordpress.com) last year. Through it, I address and discuss social issues that the mainstream media in Zimbabwe often shy away from - women's relationships to their bodies, their men, their friends and their world.

I believe in speaking up always! If you have a voice, use it!