At Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), we are dedicated to advocating for the well-being of student leaders, defenders, and broader students in Zimbabwe. Our focus areas revolve around promoting mental wellness in institutions of higher learning and protecting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
We understand that student leaders and defenders face numerous challenges, both physically and online, as they strive to advance these important causes. They often encounter hostility, harmful narratives, marginalization, and violence in digital spaces. Therefore, we place great emphasis on safeguarding their mental health and well-being.
Challenging social norms is at the core of our work. We specifically focus on women student leaders and defenders who champion SRHR. They face unique circumstances and are constantly battling against the perception that they are merely “advancing the Western agenda.” We believe in creating safe environments where they can fearlessly advocate for issues like access to safe abortion for minority groups.
To address the new forms of violence faced by student leaders and defenders, particularly in the digital realm, we strive to raise awareness and establish preventive and response mechanisms. We understand that these attacks not only harm their credibility but also have severe consequences on their overall well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Our approach goes beyond addressing physical and online attacks. We firmly believe in the holistic well-being of student activists. We encourage them to join support groups, seek professional help, take time for self-care, and learn effective strategies to manage threats. By collaborating with other stakeholders and sharing experiences, we create networks that provide support and resources.
Through our partnerships, we are actively involved in strengthening the capacity, knowledge, and skills of student leaders and defenders. We integrate practical safety and security measures at all levels of our program, while also emphasizing the importance of self-care and well-being. By changing the public’s perception of SRHR defenders, we aim to create an inclusive and safe environment for these activists to thrive.
The Zimbabwe National Students Union is committed to empowering young women whose SRHR are often neglected in institutions of higher learning. We are dedicated to advancing the well-being of student leaders and defenders by addressing their safety and security needs, promoting mental wellness, and advocating for their rights.
Join us to create a supportive and inclusive environment for student leaders, defenders, and general students in Zimbabwe. Together, we can make a lasting impact on mental wellness and SRHR rights in institutions of higher learning.