Meet Yeukai from Zimbabwe. She works with young people in peace initiatives, working to help them see the value in their participation.
Since British colonial rule was established in the late 19th century, Zimbabwe has endured the deep-rooted effects of conflict. After gaining independence in 1980, the nation hoped for stability, but power struggles and political violence continued to shape its trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues, driving extreme poverty to record levels by 2020 and worsening existing challenges in healthcare, employment, and food security.
Zimbabwe’s peace efforts remain deeply intertwined with its political landscape, which often politicises and undermines initiatives for reconciliation and healing. This dynamic has left many people feeling detached and disillusioned with peace processes, underscoring the need for inclusive efforts that engage communities at all levels.
Yeukai first decided to work in peacebuilding when she realised just how disconnected young people, especially women and girls, are in peace processes.
“I realised the silent strength of women who are not speaking out, women who are not in key decision-making processes, young people who are being left out because they see no value in participating.”
Yeukai works with an organisation called Community Solutions Zimbabwe (CSZ). A member of United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), which thrives to create a peacebuilding ecosystem where young people have an equal and meaningful place, CSZ work with young people. They promote, facilitate and organise capacity building, conflict management and advocacy training across the country.
Yeukai has committed her work to counter the growing disillusion with peace processes, which stems from years of politically motivated conflicts.
“The political system [has meant that people] associate peace with violence.”
Yeukai works directly with communities to ensure young people are included in these processes and that ‘local governance structures enable young people and women to actually participate effectively.’ Peace is only sustainable when people who have the lived experiences can lead in peace processes and believe they can build peace for themselves and their communities.