Binga’s young women empowered through policy awareness

By Ibin Munsaka

Young women in Binga are taking the lead in shaping their futures as they recently came together at a key gathering hosted by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) to engage with and understand the Zimbabwe National Youth Policy.

This meeting provided a platform for young women to voice their perspectives on the policy, addressing both its successes and challenges while ensuring their concerns are central to the ongoing review process.

For young women in Binga, this gathering emerged as an opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with national policies that affect their lives. Participants highlighted the importance of such capacity-building initiatives, recognizing that understanding these policies equips them to navigate and influence their communities effectively.

Magadaline Munsaka, a participant, emphasized the need for young women to actively partake in community discussions.

“We must engage in decision-making processes that shape our futures,” she stated, reflecting a collective desire for empowerment and representation.

Danisa Mudimba, Acting Director of Basilwizi Trust, called on the young women to embrace leadership roles within their communities.

“Creating an inclusive environment for expressing your needs and aspirations is essential,” she urged, inspiring attendees to step forward and make their voices heard.

This call to action aligns with the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income nation. Young women are encouraged to take on leadership positions, thereby ensuring their insights are valued and integrated into community development.

The session also provided crucial information about the National Youth Policy, which aims to enhance youth engagement in decision-making. Key initiatives like the Empower Bank and the Kurera Ukondla Youth Fund were discussed, showcasing how young women can benefit from financial resources and support systems designed to promote entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Florence Mumpande, a successful entrepreneur, highlighted the importance of sharing developmental resources within the community.

“When we support each other, every woman can thrive,” she said, underscoring the power of collaboration.

Despite the positive steps forward, young women face significant challenges in accessing and understanding national policies. Many feel that they lack the necessary support and resources to engage fully in policy discussions. By participating in gatherings like this one, they are not only gaining knowledge but also building a network of support that can help them advocate for their rights and ambitions.

The Zimbabwe National Youth Policy envisions an empowered youth by 2030, with active participation in national development. The four key areas of focus, Education and Skills Development, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Governance and Participation, and Health and Wellbeing were thoroughly explained, showing young women how they can leverage these themes to foster their own growth and contribute to their communities.

As a result of this empowering gathering, young women in Binga are expected to emerge with a clearer understanding of the National Youth Policy, ready to advocate for their rights and take an active role in shaping their futures.