Towards a framework for enhancing diversity in Junior/Youth Councils in Zimbabwe

Several local authorities in Zimbabwe have established Junior Councils (JCs) to promote the involvement and participation of youth in local governance processes and provide a structured environment for youth to develop leadership skills and understand democratic processes. However, for these JCs to be effective in their representative role, their composition should be premised on diversity, ensuring equitable access for all young people. Since their establishment in Zimbabwe in the late 1990s, few systematic studies have assessed diversity in JCs. Based on a qualitative research approach, this article, therefore, assesses the current JCs to understand the extent to which they comply with the fundamental principle of diversity and proffer recommendations to address the identified gaps. The study revealed a concerning gap. It found that although several Zimbabwean local authorities have established JCs, diversity is not adequately prioritised. Youths, particularly those who are not academically gifted, those from low-income and hard-to-reach areas and children with disabilities are consistently underrepresented. Additionally, the article also found that the recruitment and selection methods used in Zimbabwe perpetuate the marginalisation of some segments of the youth. To address the preceding gaps and foster diversity, the study recommends that the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the National Junior Council Association (NJCA) and local authorities should refine the existing JCs manual and guidelines to include a dedicated diversity framework.