The organization’s Information Officer, Zivanai Muzorodzi, lamented that women were keeping away from electoral processes because of political violence that has bedevilled the country for so long.
“Young females have continuously been disenfranchised in the national processes due to the violence that surrounds them. Trends reveal that they are increasingly shying away from anything to do with elections, budget consultancy and policy making issues,” he said.
COTRAD has established structures under which marginalised young females from Masvingo province will participate in training programmes to equip them with the necessary skills to allow them to take an active part in national activities.
It will also raise awareness on the rights of young women, which Muzorodzi believes will help in mitigating political violence in the province by creating a team of young female human rights defenders.
“The women will be organised in small groups of 15-20 where they will regularly meet and discuss issues affecting women in their local chapters under the tutelage of COTRAD,” said Muzorodzi.
“Young people need to play a vanguard role in ensuring the attainment of democratic institutions that are accountable to citizens. They must guard against manipulation and become ambassadors of peace in their communities in a bid to increase youth participation. The forthcoming elections are crucial in the fight against unemployment, economic decline and the attainment of the millennium development goals. Such matters require the youth to play a central role in electing leaders that are accountable and can create policies for the effective development of the nation,” he added.
Post published in: News