Access to documentation a major hinderance for young women who want to register to vote

Throughout the information dissemination we have been carrying out in our communities, we have noted that the biggest challenge faced by young women is the lack of National Identity Documents which are required to enable one to register to vote. Therefore, it is important for the Government to address this issue as a matter of urgency so that young women can obtain the required documents while voter registration is still ongoing.

The impact of failure to obtain documentation is largely felt by rural communities as most of the offices are far. As a young woman, I feel that the slow process in obtaining national documentation hinders young women from exercising their constitutional right to register to vote and elect leaders of their choice.

During the month of October, my peers and I carried out a voter registration drive where we managed to mobilise around 130 youths from Magwegwe and Lobengula in Bulawayo to go and register to vote. We provided them with transport to make it easy for them to get to the registration centre. This initiative that we are carrying out as youths is meant to encourage and inspire other youths to become responsible leaders in decision making processes in their respective constituencies. We want to see improved participation of youth in leadership because I believe that young people are the leaders of today.

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