A group of young women in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe, are taking a stand against misinformation after attending a Civic Awareness Meeting hosted by TheGirlsTable, a youth-led organization. The one-day event, held recently in Mbamba, brought together 63 young women, including two persons with disabilities, to equip them with the skills to identify, verify, and counter false information, according to Sandra Gama, Programs Officer for TheGirlsTable.
The meeting emphasized information integrity as crucial for informed decision-making and democratic participation. Participants learned about the spread of misinformation and its impact on community engagement. They also gained practical skills in verifying sources and distinguishing facts from falsehoods, Gama said. Discussions explored various ways to combat false information, ranging from using digital fact-checking tools to implementing community-driven initiatives.
A significant challenge raised during the meeting was how traditional beliefs limit young women’s involvement in civic activities. “There is a perception that young women who attend meetings organized by different organizations are being misled and disrespecting their spouses,” one participant noted, as shared by Gama. This cultural bias discourages young women from participating in governance.
Nothando from Mbamba shared her newfound understanding: “Misinformation has the potential to destroy one’s leadership aspirations. I learned that as young women, we should not perpetuate information disorders, and I will teach other young women in my community.”
Essebia, another participant, added, “Disinformation affects young people when we want to participate actively in community meetings. It creates confusion and mistrust, making it difficult to discern accurate information from falsehoods.”
The impact of misinformation extends beyond politics, affecting daily life. Viola from Mbamba provided a concrete example: “Having incorrect information or misinformation can lead to serious mistakes. For example, you might misjudge a financial situation and have to sell your belongings to cover unexpected costs or debts.”
Despite initial unfamiliarity with terms like malinformation, disinformation, and information integrity, participants quickly grasped their meanings, Gama said. They discussed examples of false information prevalent in their communities and how it impacts governance and daily life.
Ward 15 Councillor Sibanda, who attended the event, pledged his support for young women’s involvement in governance. “I will make sure young women in my ward are included in meetings and that their views are heard,” he stated.
