Zimbabwe: Youth at the heart of change

In many Zimbabwean communities, young people have long faced vulnerabilities that shape the course of their lives.  Limited access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information, rising cases of teenage pregnancies, early marriages, drug and substance abuse, and stigma surrounding HIV created a silent crisis. Without platforms to speak or the knowledge to protect themselves, countless adolescents were left to navigate life‑changing dilemmas alone.

This is the context into which the Young Peoples Network on Health and Wellbeing (YPNHW) stepped, determined to rewrite the narrative for young people across the country. YPNHW is a youth-led network of adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24, coordinated by the National AIDS Council (NAC) with support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), UNFPA, and other partners. With representation across all 10 provinces and 85 districts, and members drawn from at least 17 sectors, the network is a powerful embodiment of youth organising, youth leadership, and youth-driven policy influence. At the heart of their work lies one simple but transformative belief: young people must lead the change they want to see. Their flagship advocacy initiative, Not in My Village, boldly confronts harmful practices that hinder youth wellbeing, including child marriage, HIV stigma, teenage pregnancy, and drug abuse. Through this campaign, YPNHW has become a safe, trusted space for young people to learn, share, engage, and advocate for healthier futures.

Before YPN’s intervention, the reality facing many young people was stark. Misinformation about sexual health was widespread. Schools and parents often lacked adequate knowledge or the confidence to discuss SRHR issues openly. Adolescents struggled in silence, some falling into early marriages, others dealing with unplanned pregnancies or turning to drugs. In a context where their voices were rarely heard, young people had neither the information nor the support networks needed to make safe, informed decisions.

Building Awareness, Building Confidence

Through Not In My Village and broader YPNHW programming, the organisation launched a series of actions that began shifting attitudes, behaviours, and practices in communities across Zimbabwe.

Youth‑Friendly Awareness and Education

The network conducted extensive school visits, community engagement sessions, and peer‑to‑peer education programmes. These interactions became platforms where young people could ask questions freely, about HIV, contraception, relationships, rights, consent, and mental health, without fear of judgment.

Community Dialogues and Safe Spaces

YPNHW created environments in which adolescents felt heard and supported. These safe spaces promoted open conversations, encouraged youth leadership, and built a sense of solidarity among young people dealing with similar challenges.

Media, Roadshows, and Public Advocacy

Frequent radio shows, dialogues, and roadshows helped spread life‑changing information in accessible ways. The visibility of the Not in My Village campaign across communities, even appearing on billboards in local languages, reinforced vital messages and sparked widespread conversation.

Collaboration for Structural Change

Working with schools, clinics, traditional leaders, and district‑level institutions strengthened the effectiveness and reach of the network’s activities. This multisectoral approach ensured that young people were supported from all angles—health, education, and community leadership.

Through these interventions, young people began to feel more informed, more confident, and more empowered to speak up about issues affecting them. Families, schools, and community leaders started recognising the value of listening to young voices.

How the Change Became Visible

The impact of YPNHW is both measurable and deeply felt.

• Youth participation has significantly increased. More young people are joining awareness activities, support groups, and dialogues.
• Awareness of SRHR, HIV prevention, drug abuse, and child marriage has grown. Surveys and feedback show improved understanding and reduced stigma.
• Risky behaviours among adolescents have decreased. Many youths now make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
• Youth‑led clubs and peer support networks are thriving. These spaces encourage ongoing advocacy long after initial campaigns end.
• Traditional leaders have joined the movement. Chiefs and village heads are supporting efforts to end early marriage and protect young people.
• Media coverage and documentation highlight the network’s influence, giving visibility to youth voices and showcasing real community impact.

As Martha Manyere shared:

“Teenage pregnancies and child marriages are gradually decreasing in Beitbridge. The Not In My Village campaign is making a real difference.” For many young people, the network is not just an organisation—it is a family.

 “Being part of YPNHW made me feel like I belong. It’s a safe space where we freely express issues affecting young people,” said Tamia Ndlovu.

Sustaining and Scaling Up the Change

YPNHW is committed to ensuring that this transformation endures. Their strategy includes:

• Training and mentoring peer educators and youth champions
• Strengthening partnerships with schools, health facilities, and local authorities
• Integrating youth programming into district and local development plans
• Mobilising resources to sustain programming across communities
• Replicating successful models in new districts
• Engaging community leaders, parents, and educators to ensure shared responsibility
• Monitoring and evaluation to track effectiveness and refine interventions

As Mashudu Mbedzi observed:

“I am proud to see traditional leaders joining the fight against child marriage. Their influence brings real change.”

Thanks to the Young Peoples Network on Health and Wellbeing, youth are now at the heart of community transformation—no longer passive observers, but leaders shaping a healthier, more empowered generation.

By: Praise Idah