Just one womanInternational Women's Day

Zimbabwe

In 2008 violence ripped through Zimbabwe as young men took up arms, burning villages and attacking women, young and old. But the violence was not just a chaotic rebellion, it was highly orchestrated and driven by political motives.

Young people have so few options, due to political instability and land seizures, the cost of living is increasingly at an alarming rate, and yet the country faces a 95% unemployment rate. It is easy to see how the offer of  cash can mobilise young people to commit violent acts. In the build up to the 2008  elections this abject poverty was used by those with power and influence to recruit young men to commit violence against local people – to intimidate the population and sway how people voted.

Local organisation Envision Zimbabwe recognises those who committed violence are not just faceless perpetrators, but themselves victims who have been caught up in the cycle of violence. They are reaching out to young people and giving them skills to earn a living, so that as the 2011 elections approach Zimbabwe’s youth can resist calls to violence.

With £4096 I could run 8 workshops with 20 young people, to give them a way to earn a living so that an offer of $100 will not persuade them to join in violent activities. - Tariro, Zimbabwe

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