Zimbabwe Youth Council Pushes for Holistic Empowerment of Young People
The Zimbabwe Youth Council has urged policymakers and stakeholders to take a holistic approach to youth empowerment, stressing that solutions must be anchored in both the realities of the market and the evolving needs of young people.
Board chairperson Rutendo Mugwagwa said empowerment could not be achieved without equipping young people with the right skills. “We must prioritize skills development that speaks directly to the digital age,” she said. “Our young people need to be relevant in a fast-changing global economy, and that means focusing on digital literacy, innovation, and adaptability.”
She noted that the empowerment agenda must also grapple with critical issues that weigh heavily on the youth, including joblessness and mental health. “Youth unemployment is not just a statistic, it is a lived reality for thousands of families,” Mugwagwa explained. “At the same time, we cannot overlook mental health and access to technology as these are now central to the well-being and productivity of our young generation.”
Mugwagwa emphasized that youth development cannot be carried out in isolation. “We need collaboration — government, the private sector, and development partners must all play a role. No single entity can carry this burden alone, and only through partnership can we unlock real opportunities for young people,” she said.
She further highlighted the importance of inclusive budgeting in national planning. “The national budget must cater to diverse sectors and demographics. It must reflect the realities of both rural and urban youth, young women, and those living with disabilities. Empowerment is only meaningful if it reaches everyone,” she argued.
The chairperson concluded by underscoring that genuine empowerment requires listening to young people themselves. “To build solutions that work, we must understand the market, the system, and most importantly, the needs of young people. They are not a side note in development — they are the center of it.”
