February 28, 2025, SAYWHAT is announcing the call for the 2025 Sponsored Scientific Young Researchers Initiative Programme.

The Young Researchers Initiative Programme (YRIP) seeks to foster innovative research and solutions that address the complex challenges faced by young people, particularly in vulnerable contexts. By examining the intersections of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), this initiative aims to inform evidence-based policies and programs that promote holistic well-being, social justice, and human rights for all.

The Young Researchers Initiative Program (YRIP) invites young university students to submit abstracts for research projects that explore the complexities of:

SRHR

1. Exploring the impact of social media on Youth SRHR: investigate how social media influences youth knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to SRHR.

2. Age of consent laws and their effectiveness in preventing sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.

3.Safeguarding SRHR, an exploration of the prevalence of STIs and unintended pregnancies in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe

4. College Challenges: A case of on and off-campus accommodation in Zimbabwe. Examine financial implications and health outcomes.

Drug and Substance Abuse

1. The impact of drug and substance abuse on young people’s education, health, and their overall potential to contribute to their society.

2. The role of social media and technology in drug and substance abuse prevention and treatment in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe.

Disability

1. The Role of assistive technology in promoting SRHR for People with Disabilities: Investigate how assistive technology can promote SRHR for people with disabilities.

2. Disability and Climate Change: Implications for SRHR. Examine how climate change affects the SRHR outcomes of people with disabilities.

3. Assessing the accessibility of healthcare services for People with Disabilities: Evaluate the accessibility of healthcare services for people with disabilities.

GBV

1. Assessing the Effectiveness of GBV Prevention Programs: Evaluate the impact of GBV

prevention programs on SRHR outcomes.

2. A Shared Responsibility: The Intersection of Male Victimhood and Advocacy in GBV Prevention and SRHR

Objectives

The objective of this call is to provide a platform for young researchers to share their innovative ideas, research findings and solution to address the interconnected challenges faced by young people.

Eligibility

1.All tertiary education students (aged between 18 to 35) within Zimbabwe are eligible to respond to this call.

2. Abstracts should be submitted in English

Interested candidates are invited to submit 500-word proposals highlighting the topic (choose a topic from any theme above), research problems and questions, objectives, methodology and expected outcomes.

Full details and benefits will be disclosed to successful applicants. Only undergraduates, graduates, and masters’ students are eligible to apply. Persons with disabilities (PWD), and female students are highly encouraged to apply.

Required Font: Candara, 12, and 1.15 line spacing.

On the cover page include:

• Name of Author and Gender
• Title of the proposal
• Contact details
• Institution
• Programme and level of study

Submission deadline: 28 March 2025

Only successful candidates will be contacted

Please send your research proposal in PDF format – to researchunit@saywhat.org.zw