Lillian Chikara is an accomplished development practitioner with more than 35 years of experience in health, sports, gender, and community development. Her expertise spans governance, programme management, disability inclusion, gender mainstreaming, SHR, child protection, advocacy, and livelihoods programming working with government, donors, NGOs and the private sector.
She transitioned from general development work into sports administration, becoming the National Director of Special Olympics Zimbabwe in 2021. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown into a competitive institution, successfully participating in Special Olympics World Games, regional and other international tournaments. She is a passionate advocate for women leadership, disability inclusion and safeguarding vulnerable groups in sport.
Lillian holds an MSc in Development Studies from the Women’s University in Africa, a BA in Development Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA), and a diploma in Adult Education from the University of Zimbabwe. She also holds diplomas in general nursing, community health, and midwifery from institutions in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom .