Young Women Fight for Rights and Protection in Fragile Contexts

By Annle Ncube, Tendilonge Museme, Anna Manfu, Olivia Chikumba and Tulindile Mleya.

Five young women from the communities of Chipinge and Binga are on a mission to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights, particularly in the face of climate induced disasters and socio-economic challenges. 

With the support of ActionAid Zimbabwe, they conducted a feminist youth vulnerability assessment, producing the report titled “Young People’s Perspectives on Risk, Vulnerabilities, and Protection of Rights in Chipinge and Binga.” The report seeks to understand the vulnerabilities faced by young people, especially women, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of climate change.

 “We wanted to shine a light on the protection rights of youth in times of crisis,” said one of the young women involved in the project. 

Their work culminated in a presentation at the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where they shared a policy brief connecting local realities to the El Niño-induced droughts affecting their districts, country, and region. 

The findings of their report are not just statistics; they represent the daily experiences of young women in these communities. In Chipinge, residents brace for cyclones and floods, while in Binga, the threat of drought looms large. 

“These are not just headlines to us; they shape our lives,” they remarked. 

The young women revealed a painful truth: many in their communities are unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable and silenced.

 “We are tired of being held back by patriarchal norms,” they declared. 

Determined to make their voices heard, the group began taking action. In June, they conducted radio programs on Twasumpuka FM and Vemuganga FM to share their findings. They also launched an online campaign with the Activista network, reaching out to peers and local leaders to amplify the report’s recommendations. Their goal is clear: to build a future where young people, especially women, lead them own protection. 

“We are not victims; we are the solution,” they asserted. 

The young women outlined several key demands that reflect their commitment to change. They call for real power in decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for meaningful youth and women’s participation in disaster management discussions. They also stress the importance of investing in local youth groups, which are often the first responders in crises, seeking support to enhance their capacity and effectiveness.

 To combat poverty, they demanded sustainable economic opportunities and programs that build climate resilience. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for strengthening and funding child protection systems and GBV support services, especially in times of crisis.

 “This is more than a campaign; it is our promise to ourselves and our generation. We are empowering each other to demand the safe, just, and equitable Zimbabwe we all deserve," they concluded.

Join their movement on social media with the hashtags #ActOnDRM, #YouthVulnerability, and #YouthProtectionInEmergencies to support their fight for change.