Zimbabwe: Taking stock of gender responsive budgeting and local economic development initiatives

Through the work of the Gweru Junior Council—mentored by the Gweru City Council—young people are taking an active role in shaping policies, advocating for equitable resource allocation, and challenging long‑standing gender disparities in local decision‑making.

A Community in Need of Inclusive Growth

Before the initiative began, the challenges in Gweru were clear. Women and girls remained largely sidelined from economic opportunities and civic engagement. Gender‑responsive budgeting was an unfamiliar concept to many residents, and young people were rarely consulted on issues that directly affected them.

Social norms, structural barriers, and limited awareness about gender equality contributed to an environment where development processes did not fully reflect the needs of the whole community. As a result, local planning and budgeting often overlooked women’s priorities and youth concerns, perpetuating cycles of exclusion.

Recognising these gaps, the Gweru Junior Council set out to build a more inclusive, equitable, and participatory local governance system—one in which gender considerations and youth perspectives inform economic planning.

Driving Positive Change Through Youth Leadership

The transformation that followed has been profound. The Gweru Junior Council’s advocacy created a noticeable shift in how local governance structures engage with citizens, especially young women and girls. For the first time, gender analysis began to feature in discussions about local budgeting and development planning.

Through workshops, community dialogues, and awareness campaigns, the Junior Council helped residents understand why gender‑responsive budgeting matters: it ensures that both men and women benefit equally from public resources and that development strategies address everyone’s needs.

Young people—including girls—became more confident speaking up during consultations, participating in meetings, and engaging local leaders. Women began attending community budgeting sessions in growing numbers, demonstrating a renewed sense of ownership and empowerment.

This new participation has strengthened community trust in the Gweru City Council, improved transparency, and sparked more open dialogue between residents and leadership.

The initiative has empowered:

• Women and girls, who now have greater access to economic opportunities and platforms for participation;
• Youth leaders, who developed skills in advocacy, leadership, financial literacy, and civic engagement;
• Local governance structures, which now benefit from broader community input and gender‑balanced decision‑making.

What began as a youth-led awareness initiative has grown into a significant driver of equitable, sustainable economic development.

How the Change Happened

The shift towards inclusive local governance was the result of coordinated, intentional actions led by the Junior Council. Key activities included:

Community Dialogues and Workshops

Residents were sensitised on gender equality, gender‑responsive budgeting, and the importance of balanced participation in development. These sessions created safe spaces where women and young people could express their needs and concerns.

Leadership and Financial Literacy Training

Girls and young leaders were trained in leadership, public speaking, budgeting processes, and civic participation, equipping them with the skills to contribute meaningfully to community decisions.

Advocacy with the Gweru City Council

The Junior Council held advocacy meetings encouraging the adoption of gender‑sensitive practices. This resulted in gender considerations being integrated into planning, budgeting, and consultations.

Media and Outreach Campaigns

Through radio discussions, social media, and school outreach, the message reached over 1,000 young people—broadening awareness and expanding participation.

Before these efforts, youth and women’s voices were often overlooked. Today, their input is recognised as essential for balanced development.

Sustaining and Scaling the Change

To ensure the gains are long‑lasting, the Gweru Junior Council is working on a sustainability framework built around:

1. Continuous Collaboration

A strong partnership between the Junior Council and the Gweru City Council ensures gender considerations remain embedded in governance processes.

2. Capacity Building

Training sessions for new Junior Councillors and youth groups will keep the momentum alive, ensuring each new cohort understands gender-responsive budgeting and advocates for equality.

3. Institutionalisation of Public Consultations

Regular dialogues and community meetings will be part of local governance structures, promoting transparency and ongoing public engagement.

4. Scaling Through National Platforms

The Gweru model will be shared with other junior councils across Zimbabwe to inspire similar gender-responsive initiatives nationwide.

5. Partnerships with NGOs, Schools, and Local Businesses

These stakeholders will help provide resources, mentorship, and practical support for youth-led development.

Through these strategies, gender-responsive budgeting will become a permanent feature of Gweru’s governance landscape.

Evidence of Impact

The results are clear and measurable:

• Women and youth representation increased significantly during the 2025 budget consultations, marking the first time Junior Council submissions were formally considered.
• Community attitudes shifted—surveys show that both men and women now understand and value girls’ participation in leadership and economic activities.
• Youth engagement grew substantially, with over 1,000 students reached and increased female participation in civic clubs and leadership programmes.
• Practical outcomes emerged, including a youth skills empowerment fair and mentorship programmes for young entrepreneurs.
• Wider recognition followed—local radio stations and council newsletters featured the Junior Council’s work, increasing visibility and credibility.

The initiative demonstrates that when young people lead with purpose, communities become more inclusive, more equitable, and better prepared for sustainable development.

By: Nathaniel Mbengano