Gendered Impact of Contextual Shocks Increasing Vulnerability of Female Youth and the Role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training and Life Skills Interventions in Resilience Building: A Case of Mwenezi and Chiredzi

Abstract

The paper examines the contextual shocks increasing vulnerability among female youth in Zimbabwe's Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts. It explores the efficacy of life skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational training in building resilience among these vulnerable young women. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. The findings reveal that contextual shocks such as COVID-19, inflation, drought, natural disasters, climate change, unemployment, political instability, and cultural beliefs significantly contribute to the vulnerability of young women in these districts. The results highlight the importance of life skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational training in reducing vulnerability and promoting resilience. These interventions equip young women with crucial skills, knowledge, and information to improve livelihoods, cope with external shocks, and adapt to changing environments. The study recommends effective strategies for building resilience, including women's empowerment programs, financial support, increased participation in development planning, policy implementation, stakeholder involvement, and expansion of vocational training institutions.