This research report presents the findings of case study research with youth in six
locations in Zimbabwe, carried out within the Power, Violence, Citizenship and
Agency (PVCA) programme. It shows how young people experience growing up as
citizens in a country known for its repressive regime, and highlights the differences
for young men and young women. Young people consider political violence as one
of many forms of violence and other challenges they face in life. Election periods
bring increased risk, when youth feel targeted. After the turbulence of elections has
waned, surveillance by state security agents persists, affecting how young people
use the public sphere. Between elections, forms of structural violence pose more
challenges to youth than physical, political violence: patronage along party or
ethnic lines is a major barrier to finding jobs, and generational differences deny
young people a voice. High unemployment levels can result in youth participating
in violence orchestrated by political actors. This research shows also that family
and peers have a strong influence on how young people choose to engage in the
public sphere and respond to the polarised political environment. Youth
empowerment strategies thus need to go beyond economic empowerment. This
report argues that a shift in vision is required so that government, aid agencies and
civil society recognise the importance of active citizenship among youth and make
it a priority area for interventions. Programmes should build the citizen capabilities
of young people and improve relations between them, their parents and
communities, and public authority.