Youth Take Lead in Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

By Evans Jona

HARARE — Young people are set to take a leading role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) following the launch of the #Click4Change to End GBV campaign by Restless Development Zimbabwe, with support from UN Women.

The 10-month youth-led initiative seeks to harness arts, technology and digital innovation to inspire action against GBV and promote gender equality across Zimbabwe.

The campaign will engage 450 young artists, innovators and digital content creators in Harare, Bulawayo, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central and Masvingo, while aiming to reach at least 150,000 people through digital and community-based campaigns.

The initiative is funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Switzerland and builds on the success of the Spotlight Initiative.
Activities under the campaign will include hackathons, community theatre, spoken word performances, murals and social media campaigns.

Restless Development Zimbabwe Hub Director Charity Bafana said the initiative would give young people greater opportunities to contribute to efforts aimed at ending GBV and creating safer communities.

“Building on the success of the Spotlight Initiative, #Click4Change to End GBV will empower young people to lead efforts to end gender-based violence and create safer, more equal communities for women and girls,” Bafana said.

UN Women Zimbabwe Country Representative Louise Nylin said the campaign reflected the organisation’s commitment to investing in youth leadership to advance gender equality and end GBV, particularly violence against women and girls.

The campaign will also promote survivor-centred voices while challenging harmful gender norms that contribute to violence and inequality.

A National Youth Power Expo and Digital Advocacy Awards ceremony are planned for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, providing a platform to showcase youth-led innovations and collective action towards safer and more equal communities.

Restless Development Zimbabwe is a youth-focused organisation working with young people, communities and stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities affecting young people and promote sustainable development.

Zimbabwean government has expressed deep concern over a significant rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, noting a troubling increase in incidents where women are the perpetrators and men the victims.