By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has expressed its concern over the exclusion of youths in issues affecting them.
As the Youth Day is commemorated tomorrow(Friday) it is important for the government to address the challenges being faced by youths.
The constitution provides that youths “must have opportunities to associate and to be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life.”
It is therefore progressive on youth representation and empowerment.
In a press statement released today, ZIMCODD said there was a clear exclusion of youths in decision making.
“There is lack of self-representation by youth in decision making institutions and spaces for them to be able to determine the economic trajectory that improves their present living conditions and inspire the future generations for people-centred development. The piecemeal amendment of the constitution as proposed by Clause 11 will not address this.
The systematic exclusion and disenfranchisement of youth in the country’s national political processes like elections for them to occupy influential positions and the continuous manipulation of youth by politicians to settle their political scores.”
The youth that constitutes the majority of the country’s population and their productivity would go a long way in boosting the country’s economy.
ZIMCODD said that the government should make amends and make sure the youths are involved in all policies that concern them.
“The government must respect the Constitution and ensure active youth participation in economic policymaking processes and create a conducive working environ for youth both in the formal and informal sector. This must involve consultation and inclusion of youths in policy formulation processes.
“For equal youth representation in national elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) must apply the progressive provisions already in the constitution to ensure a level playing field for youths to actively participate. This must include the creation of safe political spaces for youth participation especially young women,” read the statement.
ZIMCODD went onto encourage the youths to speak with one voice and push for a better Zimbabwe.
