Founder and Executive Director, Pachedu lgbtiq international

Nyasha “Masi” Zhakata is a community organizer and human rights advocate, and the Founder and Executive Director of Pachedu LGBTIQ International, a refugee-led organization advancing the rights, visibility, and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. Their work focuses on strengthening advocacy, policy engagement, and community-based programs that support marginalized populations displaced by conflict and discrimination. Masi is deeply committed to advancing social justice and equity for women, girls, and gender-diverse communities. They collaborate with regional and international partners, including UNHCR, and have participated in global advocacy platforms to elevate refugee-led solutions and inclusive policy change.

Rise Up Together Cohort: South Africa, 2026