Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting gender equality as an integral part of youth programmes to prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes and inequalities among young people.
This was said by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development provincial development head for Manicaland, Gabriel Jaji during a national universities quiz competition held at Rujeko Farm in Nyazura.
The quiz and debate competitions are run annually by Students and Youth Working on reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT).
Jaji said mainstreaming gender among youth involves integrating a gender perspective into all aspects of youth-related initiatives and programmes, ensuring that both girls and boys’ needs, concerns and experiences are considered in the planning, implementation and evaluation processes.
A total of 16 universities took part in this year’s competition.
“We are excited to be part of this event and as the ministry we are the national coordination arm and machinery on gender equality and equity,” Jaji said.
“We have a responsibility to see that there is gender equality in the country. It is pleasing to see young people who are the future taking part in the debates and quizzes which have to do with gender equality and other issues related to climate change and ICT.
“We are impressed by the coordination and partnership from the private sector for discussing gender mainstreaming discourse.”
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development was conducting various trainings in schools to disseminate knowledge on gender mainstreaming, gender-based violence and economic empowerment.
“The Ministry also challenges the young people to take up the initiatives being propelled by the Government including economic empowerment.
“These are some of the activities we are also rolling at the ministry targeting youths in institutions of higher learning,” he said.
SAYWHAT, chief executive, Jimmy Wilford, said, the whole idea is to empower young people with knowledge that evolves with the real world.
“It was a desire to create a platform where students can be able to discuss various issues that affect them. The whole idea is that how can we motivate students to read more since they are given a wide range of areas.
“The quiz competitions aim to conscientise the students to excel and identify themselves and demonstrate what they can do in a society,” he said.
“This growth is not only in numbers, but in the depth of knowledge, passion, dedication, young people showing in promoting gender equality and social justice.”
Issues debated included global frameworks that focus on empowering young women, ensuring their participation in decision-making and addressing gender-based violence.
Some key areas of focus included leadership, economic empowerment, education and ending violence against young women and girls.
“Today they are students, tomorrow they are change makers, entrepreneurs, decision makers and architects of more equitable Zimbabweans,” said Mr Wilford.
“We are honoured by the presence of the Ministry of Women Affairs, which is a strong confirmation to promote gender equity and youth empowerment for our students.
“It affirms the ministry’s efforts in engaging in gender frameworks both locally and globally.
“The students hope to see the connection of the academic and real-world impact.”
One of the winners of the competition, Danielle Manzini, from National University of Science and Technology (NUST) said the quiz competitions have helped her a lot.
“The quiz competitions are enlightening us as young girls to be able to tackle all the challenges,” she said.
Gideon Mhlanga of NUST feels the competitions empower young people to see the relationship between the academic and the real world.
“This is helping us to connect with the real world as we are informed and empowered,” he said.
