Climate Change Correspondent – On the Day of the African Child, young leaders from across Masvingo Province gathered under a powerful and timely theme, “Voices for Justice: Youth Action on Climate, Water and Governance,” in an engagement led by the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) in partnership with Rural Empowerment and Development (READ) and the Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG). The event highlighted the growing urgency of climate change in the province, where districts such as Chivi, Mwenezi, Bikita and Zaka continue to experience severe droughts, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity, placing immense pressure on livelihoods and future opportunities for young people.

YESDA used the platform to reinforce the importance of youth participation in governance and development, emphasizing that young people are not just affected by climate change but are central to driving solutions. Through its continued efforts in youth empowerment and skills development, YESDA is creating spaces where young voices are heard, leadership is nurtured, and accountability is strengthened. The organisation’s work reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that youth are meaningfully engaged in shaping sustainable and resilient communities in the face of climate challenges.

In rural districts, READ highlighted the lived realities of young people on the front lines of climate change impacts, particularly in Chivi, where erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells have disrupted farming cycles and deepened vulnerability. READ continues to focus on equipping rural youth with adaptive skills such as climate-smart agriculture, water conservation practices, and livelihood diversification, enabling them to build resilience and remain productive despite harsh environmental conditions. Their work underscores the need to prioritise rural youth in climate responses, as they are both the most affected and the most capable of driving local solutions.

MWRAG highlighted the disproportionate burden climate change places on young women, who often face increased responsibilities and reduced opportunities in times of environmental stress. In many communities, girls and young women travel longer distances to access water, face risks to their education, and encounter heightened economic challenges. MWRAG is actively empowering young women to take leadership roles, advocate for their rights, and participate in decision-making processes related to climate and development. By centering the voices of young women, the organisation is helping to build more inclusive and equitable responses to the climate crisis.

Together, YESDA, READ and MWRAG are fostering a collective movement where youth, urban and rural, male and female, are rising as champions of climate justice, accountability and sustainable development. As Masvingo continues to navigate the realities of climate change, such partnerships are critical in ensuring that no young person is left behind, and that their voices remain at the heart of building a resilient future.