Zimbabwe: International commemoration Day of the Girl Child

What pushed these youth into action was the silence—silence from communities, silence from leaders, and silence surrounding children whose rights were being violated daily. When no one stepped forward to defend them, young people decided they would.

YACR emerged with a mission to create safe spaces where children are protected, respected, and supported. The organisation believes in the power of youth leadership to influence communities, challenge harmful norms, and push for change that uplifts the most vulnerable. Their work focuses on children’s access to education, protection from abuse, healthcare, participation, and support for children with disabilities and those in rural areas.

Through leadership training, advocacy skills, and community engagement, YACR empowers youth to become active defenders of children’s rights. They work with schools, parents, local leaders, and national stakeholders to build environments where children’s safety and dignity come first. At its heart, YACR is building a generation of responsible, compassionate young leaders committed to shaping a better future for all children.

A Case That Shook a Community — and Sparked Action

Before YACR became publicly known, a disturbing incident highlighted just how vulnerable children were without support.

A 14‑year‑old girl from Chitungwiza was wrongfully accused of having an abortion following a misdiagnosis at a local hospital. Initially treated for chest pains, she was incorrectly labelled nine months pregnant based on an inaccurate scan. When her parents questioned the report, confusion deepened. A second medical opinion suggested signs of a rare reproductive health condition, not pregnancy, yet before clarity could be reached, the girl was arrested.

Her father, while demanding answers from the hospital, was also arrested and later convicted of assault despite insisting he had not harmed anyone. Multiple arrests, conflicting medical accounts, intimidation, and lack of due process left the family traumatised. Community members were shocked by how easily a child could be criminalised without proper investigation, while her rights, dignity, and emotional wellbeing were ignored.

It was during this crisis that YACR intervened. They created a safe space for the girl, supported her emotionally, and began advocating for her rights. The organisation amplified the family’s concerns, challenged injustices, and helped shift public attention to the systemic failures exposing children to harm.

This case became a catalyst—proof of why Zimbabwe urgently needed a strong youth‑led advocacy movement for children’s rights.

Changing the Future Through Youth Empowerment

YACR’s approach to change is grounded in awareness, empowerment, and active advocacy. The organisation works to enlighten young people about their rights and responsibilities, tackling issues such as peer pressure, drug use, unhealthy relationships, and the mental health struggles affecting youth across the country.

Their overarching vision—#EmpowerTheYouthSecureTheFuture—guides campaigns designed to build confidence, strengthen knowledge, and nurture a generation able to defend the rights of children everywhere.

As spokesperson Ms. A.S. Ruzvidzo explains:

“Empowering youth to defend and promote children’s rights means shaping a future where every child’s voice is heard, every right is protected, and every dream is nurtured.”

YACR emphasises the role of policy and advocacy in strengthening children’s rights. They help young people understand how laws are shaped, how public awareness shifts behaviour, and why communities must participate in decision‑making processes. Their advocacy work includes:

• influencing laws that protect children
• raising awareness on issues affecting children
• monitoring whether policies are implemented
• supporting marginalised and vulnerable groups
• equipping communities with information to demand accountability

Young people are not only learners—they are advocates, educators, and changemakers.

Scaling the Change Through Technology

YACR is embracing digital tools to expand its reach. Through social media, virtual meetings, mobile communication platforms, and online campaigns, the organisation is creating a wider and more connected youth movement for children’s rights.

From designing digital posters to hosting online dialogues, they ensure that advocacy does not stop at community level but extends to national and global audiences. They continue to strengthen partnerships, build youth skills, and mobilise support for digital advocacy, despite challenges like limited access to devices and connectivity.

Evidence of Impact and a Growing Movement

Globally, policy and advocacy have transformed children’s lives, from free childcare programmes to strengthened child protection laws. In Zimbabwe, the establishment of YACR has sparked renewed attention to child rights, encouraging communities to speak out, seek accountability, and defend the vulnerable.

Where silence once protected injustice, youth voices are now rising.

YACR’s presence has inspired families, teachers, and community leaders to recognise that children deserve protection, justice, and dignity—and that young people themselves can lead this change.

By: Anotichengeta Saleem Ruzvidzo

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