Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VICTORY Siyanqoba team leader, Jason “Thulani” Mudzenda, is set to represent Zimbabwe at this year’s African Regional Convening (ARC), taking place in Nairobi, Kenya — a pathfinder event to Women Deliver 2026 that will bring together African feminists and youth leaders to strategise on advancing rights awareness, for women and adolescent girls.
The event will take place from 24 to 26 November 2025.
ARC, which is organised by groups including Sonke Gender Justice and Terre des Hommes Schweiz, provides a platform for collective action, youth advocacy and the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the continent.
Thulani, who joined the International Youth Network (IYN) in 2023 as a national delegate for Zimbabwe, was selected by Terre des Hommes Schweiz for his outstanding track record in national youth initiatives and SRHR advocacy. Through Victory Siyanqoba, Thulani helps encourage youth participation in decision-making and advocates for human rights protection through creative platforms like theatre.
“I believe my long-standing work in SRHR and advocacy is what led me to be considered for this programme. Over time, I’ve delivered community dialogues, youth mentorship and training, digital advocacy campaigns, creative performances that unpack sensitive SRHR topics, and grassroots mobilisation.
“I have served as a peer facilitator under Childline Zimbabwe since 2023, leading campaigns like the My Body, My Health—Umzimba Wami project. I also work directly with young people on the ground, leading the Victory Siyanqoba team in community mobilisation and rights-literacy activities in Nkulumane. The experience I have gained make me outstanding,” Thulani said.
At the three-day conference, Thulani will facilitate a session under Terre des Hommes Schweiz on sustainable financing for youth-led organisations, focusing on building long-term funding structures and stronger accountability systems. He also plans to expand regional networks and gather evidence-based approaches to strengthen both his personal advocacy and the initiatives he runs with Victory Siyanqoba.
“Apart from that, from the broader conference, I want to deepen my understanding of regional SRHR priorities, especially through sessions on feminist governance, the state of SRHR in Africa and mental health in relation to SRHR.
“I am also interested in learning more about initiatives by the African union Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls. I am looking forward to taking away practical advocacy tools, stronger policy engagement strategies and new models of youth organisation that I can adapt to my work in Zimbabwe,” he added.
As he prepares for Kenya, Thulani spoke on the significance of the conference in enhancing his advocacy skills and broadening his regional perspective.
“I believe the knowledge I will gain at the conference will translate into better community outcomes, improved youth participation methods, potential partnerships and capacity-building so that we can scale up our impact with proven tools,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu