WELEAD Trust promotes youth participation through advocacy programs tracked on @weleadteam across social media platforms.
APR 15, 2024
MASVINGO, Zimbabwe — The WELEAD Trust, in partnership with YOPATA (Young People in Action Through Arts), conducted a Youth Power-Youth Reforms Coalition Building Workshop on Friday under the Youth On the Bus program. Twenty young people aged 18 to 35 participated in Masvingo writes Oppressor Yeukai Chogurwei.
The project aims to dismantle ageist frameworks and systems while building power for youth to secure authentic participation beyond the 10-seat quota system, which organizers view as “cosmetic” intervention lacking true representation.
“We are so interested in participating in all facets of life, but the available pieces of legislation do give us access to a certain extent and restrict us,” said one anonymous participant.
They cited conflicting provisions, with one section stating youth should be fairly represented, while another requires candidates for the National Assembly to be at least 21 years old.
“Instead of amending sections that benefit a certain political party in the country, let us amend the constitution to make sure that youth in Zimbabwe are given full access to equal participation; surely the Quota system is no different from cosmetic participation or tokenism for some youth there,” a female participant said.
The inclusive Youth on the Bus project has incorporated urban, rural, disabled youth and diverse communities since its launch last month. It has visited Manicaland and Masvingo physically while virtually engaging youth across all provinces.
WELEAD Trust promotes youth participation through advocacy programs tracked on @weleadteam across social media platforms.
https://africabrief.substack.com/p/youth-push-for-reforms-beyond-tokenism
