The Community Youth Development Trust (CYDT) petition demanding the parliament of Zimbabwe to increase youth representation and participation by 30% has received a positive response from the government after the Cabinet recently approved the Electoral Amendment Act 2022, which seeks to, among other objectives, create seats to be contested only among women and youths.
The decision to approve the Bill is in sync with the basis of CYDT`s petition that called on the government to protect the constitutionally granted right for the youths to be fairly represented at all levels of governance from the district to national level platforms and ensure that youth empowerment comes with a legislative framework.
Youths are a group of skilled, creative and innovative young people whose contributions are necessary to solve the different challenges faced by our communities. Therefore, the decision to create seats to be contested only by women and youths expands a space where their full potential can be utilised in bringing about effective and sustainable outcomes.
This development also ensures that youth voices are mainstreamed in all policy making processes. In recent years, exclusion of young people in policy making and governance structures has resulted in the development of policies and strategies that have fallen short in meeting youth needs.
CYDT is also pleased by the fact that its petition continues to influence decisions on youth participation at both local and national level. Last year, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation showed its support of the petition by recommending that the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs should submit a bill to Parliament, amending the Constitution to increase the youth quota from 10% to 25% in their report to the third session – ninth parliament that came after meetings with CYDT to unpack its petition.
CYDT`s commitment to see more young people in decision making is based on the fact that over the years, youth working with organisation in community building programs have proved they are a vibrant and capable group of young people who are ready to contribute meaningfully in civic spaces. For instance.
While the approval of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2022 by the cabinet is a welcome development, CYDT will continue to advocate for an improved youth representation in both local and national governance realizing that increasing youth participation develops strong, democratic and inclusive communities.
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