I RECENTLY was fortunate to be part of a Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) meeting. It was such a captivating discussion on the complex interplay between gender, youth, and corruption.
One of the most fascinating experiences for me was a presentation by Dr Benjamin Gweru, a renowned scholar, who passionately shared his insights on this critical issue, inspiring a deeper reflection on the path forward for Zimbabwe in the fight against graft.
As the world grapples with the persistent challenge of corruption, Zimbabwe finds itself at crossroads.
The country has long struggled with the corrosive effects of bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power, undermining its social, economic, and political fabric.
However, Gweru's presentation shed new light on this multifaceted problem, highlighting the pivotal roles that gender and youth dynamics play in shaping the landscape of corruption.
At the heart of Gweru's message was the recognition that corruption is not a gender-neutral phenomenon. Women often face unique barriers and pressures when it comes to resisting corrupt practices.
The entrenched patriarchal structures that permeate many institutions can make it challenging for women to speak out against graft, lest they face social ostracisation or professional repercussions. Gweru asserted that corruption thrives in the shadows of gender inequality and the lack of equal power — his words resonating with the audience.
He added that as long as women are marginalised and their voices are suppressed, the battle against corruption will remain an uphill struggle.
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The researcher went on to emphasize the critical importance of empowering women, both in the public and private sectors, to become active participants in the anti-corruption movement.
This involves ensuring equal access to education, training, and leadership opportunities, as well as fostering an environment where women feel empowered to report and challenge corrupt practices without fear of retaliation.
One poignant example of gender-based corruption in Zimbabwe is the issue of gender representation within the leadership strictures. Just look at the presidium, where are the women?
Despite the country's constitutional commitment to gender parity in public institutions, the composition of most public institutions has consistently fallen short, with women often underrepresented in key decision-making roles.
This imbalance has raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of electoral processes, as women's voices and perspectives may be side-lined in the administration of elections.
Equally significant in Gweru's analysis was the role of the youth in shaping the future of Zimbabwe's integrity.
He argued that the country's burgeoning young population, with their energy, idealism, and technological savvy, hold the keys to a more transparent and accountable future.
To this I added my voice and noted that the youth of Zimbabwe are not merely the leaders of tomorrow — they are the change-makers of today.
By tapping into their passion, creativity, innovation and determination, we can cultivate a new generation of citizens who refuse to accept corruption as a way of life.
One key aspect of this youth-driven transformation is the harnessing of digital technologies, especially my very favourite, artificial intelligence.
In an age of ubiquitous social media and citizen journalism, young Zimbabweans are poised to become powerful watchdogs, using online platforms to expose and denounce corrupt practices with unprecedented speed and reach.
However, the youth and women in Zimbabwe have also been targets of corruption.
The case of the government's distribution of goats meant for the poor, is a prime example.
Instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, the goats project never saw the light of day and empowerment of the marginalised remains a fallacy therefore depriving young Zimbabweans of much-needed economic opportunities.
The meeting by TIZ emphasized the importance of fostering youth and women-led anti-corruption initiatives, such as mentorship programmes, civic education campaigns, and social enterprises.
Providing young Zimbabweans with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to lead the fight against graft, the country can harness the transformative potential of its youthful population.
As the presentation drew to a close, the audience was left with a profound sense of both urgency and optimism.
The challenges posed by corruption in Zimbabwe may seem daunting, but Gweru's insightful analysis offered a glimmer of hope, especially his innovative insights around Education 5.0 — a roadmap that places gender equality and youth empowerment at the heart of the anti-corruption movement.
Indeed, the path to a more transparent and accountable Zimbabwe will require a multifaceted approach, one that recognises the intersectional nature of the problem and the crucial roles that women and young people can play in driving change.
Empowering women to become active agents of integrity, and by nurturing the energy and innovation of the youth, Zimbabwe can begin to dismantle the entrenched systems of graft that have long plagued the country.
It is a monumental task, to be sure, but one that holds the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future for all Zimbabweans.
During the meeting, I spoke about being the change we all want to see with corruption. Many times we tend to point fingers and why we too are on the supply end of corruption.
In politics, we know many prominent politicians who are accused of offering bribes to young people in exchange for their political support.
This practice has been a recurring issue in Zimbabwean politics, where the youth are exploited and manipulated by those in power for their own personal gain.
As the audience reflected on Gweru's words, a sense of collective responsibility and determination began to take hold. The fight against corruption is not just the burden of the government or a few dedicated activists — it is a call to arms for every citizen, regardless of gender or age, to stand up and say, "No more".
Just take a look at what the young people are doing in Nairobi, Kenya. Our citizen voices and power counts!
As I reminisce on this very important meeting with such phenomenal insights, I would like to encourage women and young people to explore organising more anti-corruption workshops, for women's advocacy groups to keep amplifying their voices, and civil society organisations to forge new partnerships to tackle this endemic issue.
The road ahead may be long and arduous, but the seeds of change have been sown.
With a renewed focus on gender equality and youth empowerment, Zimbabwe may just find the key to unlocking a future free from the scourge of corruption — a future where transparency, accountability, and integrity reign supreme.
Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
- Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo
