Olivia Muchena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Olivia Muchena
Muchena, June 2006
Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education
In office 10 September 2013 – 9 December 2014
President	Robert Mugabe
Deputy	Godfrey Gandawa
Preceded by	Stan Mudenge
Succeeded by	Oppah Muchinguri
Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development
In office 13 February 2009 – 10 September 2013
Prime Minister	Morgan Tsvangirai
Deputy	Evelyn Masaiti
Preceded by	Sithembiso Nyoni (Acting)
Minister of Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe
In office Unknown – 13 February 2009
President	Robert Mugabe
Succeeded by	Henry Dzinotyiweyi
Personal details
Born	18 August 1946 Mutoko, Southern Rhodesia
Political party	Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front
Alma mater	Iowa State University

Olivia Nyembezi Muchena was born on August 18, 1946. She is a politician from Zimbabwe. She used to be the Minister of Higher Education in Zimbabwe's government. She also served as the Minister of Science and Technology Development and as the Minister of Women's Affairs.

Early Life and Education

Olivia Muchena went to Iowa State University to study. She earned a special degree called a PhD in agriculture. This degree also focused on how societies change and how technology affects people.

University Career

In the late 1970s, Muchena worked as a teacher at the University of Rhodesia. Later, in 1983, she started working at the University of Zimbabwe. There, she was a Deputy Dean and a Senior Lecturer. She continued as a lecturer until 1995.

Political Career

Muchena held several important jobs in the government of Zimbabwe. She worked in the office of the Vice President. She also worked in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Role in Land Reform

While working in the Ministry of Agriculture, she was part of Zimbabwe's land reform process. This process changed how land was owned and used in the country.

Ministerial Positions

On February 13, 2009, a new government was formed in Zimbabwe. It was called the national unity government. In this government, Muchena became the Minister of Women's Affairs. She worked to improve the lives of women in Zimbabwe.

Leaving Government

In June 2015, Muchena lost her position in the Senate of Zimbabwe. This happened because her political party, ZANU-PF, removed her. They did this because she supported Joice Mujuru, who was once the Vice-President of Zimbabwe.

International Restrictions

In 2003, Olivia Muchena was placed on a special list by the United States. This meant there were certain restrictions on her, like not being able to travel to the U.S. or use financial services there.

Published Work

In 1984, Olivia Muchena wrote a piece for a book. The book was called Sisterhood Is Global: The International Women's Movement Anthology. It was put together by Robin Morgan. Muchena's contribution was titled "It can only be handled by women."

Awards and Recognition

Olivia Muchena has received many honors for her work. She earned a scholarship from the Africa-America Institute. She also received a fellowship from Kellogg International. These awards recognized her achievements and contributions.

See also

In Spanish: Olivia Munchena para niños