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Dylan Munashe Dzenga

Youth Interactive Writer

As the world commemorates Women’s Month, it is quite significant to note the achievements that have been attained by the youths of Zimbabwe, most importantly the young women.

The country has witnessed an emergence of young, energetic women who have made it their rightful duty to represent their peers in terms of gender equality in educational institutions and social set ups.

Many organisations, both Governmental and non-governmental like Mwanasikana WaNhasi, Population Service Zimbabwe, Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust and SayWhat among others have engaged these youths to pursue the recognition and respect for young women in the country. The University of Zimbabwe is one of the many examples where young women and men are progressing gracefully in challenging the system and gender stereotypes.

A few students share their opinions and that includes Petronella Mabika, a 23-year-old Economic History student at UZ who is also the secretary for social welfare in the varsity’s SRC.

“I am so proud of the work my colleagues and I have done since we were appointed as the new board at the University of Zimbabwe.

We have conducted multiple open mic debates and gigs with the help of our partner organizations with the aim to educate students on how they can respect each other without undermining the other gender,” Petronella says

Petronella also pointed out that their relationship with the committee members of the opposite gender hadbeen exceptional considering how they respected each other’s positions and duties.

The SRC president Lennox Machoko, who is a 22 year-old Pharmacy student, said that a nation cannot develop without the empowerment of women.

“This starts with them being included in leadership positions and the mere fact that three have already been elected into the executive committee has actually proved to other male students that the ladies are a real competition and can handle leadership as much as they do” said Lennox

The college council has also engaged other civic society organisations such as Walpe and Padare to conduct educational programs that create a balance in the society between both genders in the institution.

“Working with the girls in the executive council has been a very good experience since they are capable, full of commitment and competence. I have seen this even from the time of campaigns, they did not just get elected because of a mere gender card but really worked hard for it.” Machoko added

Another young lady, a 21 year old Charlotte Chigwedere from Bindura University has been progressing quite impressively in empowering young women through her project in Mashonaland East Province.

“I am passionate about making the voices of young women be heard by working with organizations like Young Women for Economic Development and the Zimbabwe Youth Council to mention a few,” said Charlotte

The achievements that have been attained by youths in Zimbabwe in promoting gender equality are many which shows the level of commitment and mutual support to the movement from both genders.