By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare — In celebration of National Youth Day, the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) has joined the nation in recognizing the significant contributions of young people to Zimbabwean society.
The theme for this year, “Empower Youth, Secure the Future,” highlights the crucial role that youth play in shaping the country’s present and future.
ZESN’s statement emphasizes the need for young people to be actively included in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
ZESN acknowledges that youth are not just the future of Zimbabwe; they are also vital contributors to its present. With their unique perspectives and innovative ideas, young people are positioned to tackle pressing global issues, such as climate change, social justice, and economic instability.
Their involvement in governance is seen as a key to advancing societal progress and ensuring that the challenges of today are met with fresh, dynamic solutions.
As the country celebrates National Youth Day, ZESN urges multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that young people are not only represented but are also empowered to lead and influence change.
The organization has particularly lauded the introduction of the Youth Quota, an initiative that reserves a minimum percentage of leadership roles and government positions for youth.
This initiative is crucial for fostering diversity, bringing fresh ideas into leadership, and dismantling barriers that have traditionally hindered youth participation in governance.
The introduction of the Youth Quota is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive political environment, one that reflects the aspirations and needs of all citizens, including young people.
ZESN also commended the National Youth Policy, which mandates a minimum 21% representation for youth in various governance structures, further solidifying their role in shaping the policies and laws that impact their lives.
ZESN calls on the government to actively engage youth in the democratic process, equipping them with the necessary tools, experiences, and confidence to become change agents.
The Network stresses that youth participation goes beyond mere representation; it is about empowering young people to lead initiatives, develop policies, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
“Youth empowerment is not just about giving them a seat at the table; it’s about ensuring that their voices are heard, their ideas are valued, and they are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation,” said a ZESN spokesperson.
The organization encourages the government, civil society, and all stakeholders to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and invest in the potential of Zimbabwe’s youth.
In doing so, the country can cultivate a generation of informed, engaged citizens who are better equipped to tackle future challenges.
As National Youth Day serves as a reminder of the vital role that young people play in Zimbabwe’s future, ZESN reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth and ensuring that their voices continue to drive the nation towards a prosperous, inclusive, and democratic future.
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