My Age Africa conducted a film screening in the Chikutuva community which served as a crucial platform to address the intricate connections between climate-induced migration, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and the pervasive issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The screening of “Transactions” initiated a safe and open dialogue concerning the socio-economic and emotional consequences of migration, particularly for adolescents and young women in a community grappling with its effects.
Chikutuva has experienced significant climate-induced migration, leading to family separations, strained support systems, and heightened vulnerability among women, children, and young people. The film provided a poignant entry point for discussing survival strategies, reliance on remittances, and the profound social costs associated with migration.
The primary objectives of the screening were threefold: to facilitate open dialogue about the socio-economic and emotional repercussions of migration and remittance dependence; to create a secure environment where participants could share their personal experiences and collectively explore potential solutions; and to encourage collaborative action among young people, community leaders, and other stakeholders to foster resilience and strengthen family and community bonds.
Several critical themes emerged during the discussions following the screening!
Teenage Pregnancy and Early Sexual Debut: Participants voiced deep concern over the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and early sexual debut within the community. Economic hardship and limited opportunities were identified as contributing factors, with some families reportedly viewing early marriage as a solution to financial difficulties.
Drug and Substance Abuse Linked to Youth Idleness: Drug and substance abuse among young people was recognized as a significant challenge, largely attributed to idleness stemming from a lack of educational and employment opportunities. Participants emphasized the urgent need for skills training, vocational programs, and structured activities to engage and empower young people.
Barriers to Sustainable Livelihoods and Market Access: While acknowledging previous skills training initiatives, participants expressed frustration with structural barriers hindering their ability to establish sustainable livelihoods. The confiscation of goods and destruction of informal markets by the Rural District Council were cited as major obstacles, discouraging innovation and self-reliance, especially among women and young people.
Sports Talent, Youth Development, and Lack of Institutional Support: Young people highlighted their passion for sports, particularly football, but lamented the limited opportunities for registration, selection, and advancement at district and provincial levels. They called for greater involvement from the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Sport to provide support for registration, equipment, training, and access to tournaments.
SRHR Information, Migration, and Child Protection: Participants acknowledged the increased exposure of young people to SRHR information through school curricula. While recognizing the benefits of this knowledge in preventing abuse and promoting self-care, concerns were raised about the potential risks in the absence of parental guidance due to migration-related absences. Prolonged parental absence was linked to increased vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and SGBV.
The film screening and subsequent discussions underscored the complex challenges facing the Chikutuva community in the context of climate-induced migration. The insights gained from this event will be invaluable in informing targeted interventions and fostering collaborative efforts to build resilience, promote SRHR, and protect vulnerable populations within the community.
