Let’s Talk Ladies with Dr Thandiwe Chidzungu FROM humble beginnings, growing up in Zimbabwe, to becoming a respected human resources consultant, leadership advocate and social entrepreneur, Ms Biata Nyamayaro has…
Let’s Talk Ladies with Dr Thandiwe Chidzungu
FROM humble beginnings, growing up in Zimbabwe, to becoming a respected human resources consultant, leadership advocate and social entrepreneur, Ms Biata Nyamayaro has built a career defined by service, empowerment and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
As the founder of Etiquette HR Consultancy, Nyamayaro has dedicated her professional life to helping organisations strengthen their human resource systems while equipping young people, women and persons with disabilities with the skills, confidence and leadership needed to thrive.
“My work is about building people and building institutions,” she says.
“When people are empowered, communities become stronger.”
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Ms Nyamayaro learned the values of resilience, hard work and community spirit.
Witnessing talented young people struggle because of limited opportunities inspired her to pursue education and ultimately dedicate her career to empowering others through employment, training and leadership development.
“I saw many capable young people who simply lacked opportunities; that motivated me to become part of the solution,” she reflects.
She credits much of her personal and professional growth to the influence of her parents, mentors and accomplished women leaders who demonstrated integrity, perseverance and compassion.
She speaks fondly of her mother, whose work ethic laid the foundation for her own determination, while also acknowledging the guidance of former supervisors Dr Elizabeth Mamukwa and Mr John Jere.
“They taught me that true success is measured by the positive impact you make in the lives of others.”
Today, through Etiquette HR Consultancy, Nyamayaro advises organisations on human resource management, policy development, recruitment, employee relations, training and organisational development.
Beyond the corporate sector, she is passionate about youth empowerment, designing programmes that prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
Her expertise extends beyond consultancy.
Nyamayaro also serves as a gender specialist at Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Zimbabwe and has further strengthened her knowledge through specialised training with the Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), focusing on gender and development.
Her journey has steadily expanded onto regional and international platforms.
Through continuous learning, volunteering and networking, she has represented Zimbabwe in leadership forums, including the Africa Women Summit, where she contributed to discussions on women’s empowerment and sustainable development.
She also participated in the African Labour Law Society Conference, presenting a paper on the inclusion of persons with disabilities as part of Africa’s renaissance.
Despite these international milestones, Ms Nyamayaro says her proudest achievement remains establishing her consultancy business and using it as a platform to transform lives.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone gain employment, develop leadership skills or discover confidence because of programmes you have contributed to.”
Her commitment to service is also reflected in her leadership roles across several organisations, including Professional Women, Women Executives and Business Women’s Forum (PROWEB), YMCA Zimbabwe, Y’s Men and the Rotary Club of Harare Central, where she serves as club secretary.
For Ms Nyamayaro, leadership is not defined by titles or authority.
“Leadership is about service, integrity and inspiring others to reach their full potential,” she says.
“A true leader creates opportunities and empowers people to succeed.”
She believes that while significant progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, many barriers still prevent women and girls from realising their full potential.
Among these challenges, she identifies low self-confidence, limited access to quality education, unequal economic opportunities, inadequate mentorship, underrepresentation in leadership and persistent gender stereotypes.
“Investing in education, mentorship and equal opportunities is essential if we want women and girls to thrive,” she says.
Balancing a demanding career with family and community responsibilities requires discipline and careful planning.
Ms Nyamayaro says she prioritises healthy boundaries while ensuring time for family, personal development and community service.
“My family and community keep me grounded and remind me why I do this work.”
Looking ahead, Ms Nyamayaro is focused on expanding her consultancy business’s youth empowerment initiatives, strengthening employability and entrepreneurship programmes, supporting persons with disabilities through skills development and ultimately establishing a vocational training centre that will provide practical skills and sustainable livelihoods.
Among the projects closest to her heart is the Mopane Solar Drying Project in Gwanda, which is already making a tangible impact on local communities.
The initiative has enabled the establishment of a confectionery where bread is baked, introduced clean solar-powered technology for drying mopane worms and provided Garanyemba School with internet connectivity through a solar-powered Wi-Fi installation.
“It is truly a life-changing initiative,” she says.
As Zimbabwe continues to invest in its future generations, Nyamayaro believes young women and girls have an increasingly important role to play in shaping the nation’s development.
Her advice is both simple and powerful.
“Believe in yourself and never allow your circumstances to define your future. Invest in your education, keep learning, seek mentors and never be afraid to lead. Your voice matters, your ideas matter and your contribution can transform your community and inspire future generations.”
For Ms Nyamayaro, leadership is not merely about professional achievement.
It is about opening doors for others, creating lasting opportunities and leaving communities stronger than she found them — a mission she continues to pursue with unwavering dedication.
