ZINASU NEC Members Build Capacity to Tackle Digital Surveillance, Gender Inequality, and Student Repression
April 21–23, 2025 | Harare, Zimbabwe
In the face of shrinking civic space and increasing repression, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) took decisive steps to strengthen youth leadership through a three-day civic education training held in Harare from April 21 to 23, 2025. The sessions focused on digital and physical safety, feminist leadership, and empowerment, equipping student leaders with tools to resist authoritarianism and champion social justice.
Facilitated by rights advocates including Abel Sibanda (Global Platform Action Aid Zimbabwe) and Annah Sande, the program gave National Executive Council (NEC) members practical skills to navigate state surveillance, challenge patriarchal norms, and protect fellow students from politically motivated suspensions.
Digital surveillance emerged as a major concern, with participants learning how laws like the Interception of Communications Act are weaponized to silence dissent. Discussions on spyware, such as Pegasus, and tools like Yandex underscored the urgency of digital literacy. NEC members pledged to expand awareness campaigns on security, develop podcasts, and integrate digital safety into all ZINASU events.
On feminist leadership, the training emphasized dismantling cultural and religious barriers to equality. NEC members committed to redefining feminism as a pursuit of equity, not enmity, and resolved to foster inclusive dialogue, grassroots conscientization, and policies that protect and empower women. One NEC member remarked, “Misconceptions about feminism are creating new gender gaps — we must dismantle that thinking at its roots.”
The training also spotlighted the urgent need to support suspended students — a growing tactic used to undermine activism. In conversation with Obert Masaraure (ARTUZ), NEC leaders resolved to revitalize the Students Solidarity Trust (SST), advocate for fair disciplinary processes, and launch emergency fundraising to support affected members.
This initiative represents a powerful convergence of rights-based training and activist solidarity, reaffirming ZINASU’s role as a frontline defender of student rights in Zimbabwe. At a time when the cost of speaking out is high, these young leaders are laying the groundwork for safer, more equitable futures — online, on campus, and beyond.
