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THE European Union (EU) has injected another $5 million to capacitate civil society organizations involved in women and youth issues with a view to enhancing an equitable and democratic society.

This development comes amid governments suspicion that thewestern bloc seeks to influence the 2018 election result.

Early this year, the EU came under attack from government after it had announced a $5 million call for proposals to NGOs engaged indemocracy and good governance work.

The Zanu PF administration claimed the funds were meant to oil anti-government organizations so that they encourage citizens to vote the ruling party out of power.

In response, the EU head of delegation in Zimbabwe, Philippe Van Damme, said he was frustrated by the accusations adding that the western bloc had no hidden agenda in Zimbabwe.

However, the EU has announced another fund. In a statement recently, EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philippe Van Damme, said this round of funds will be accessed by organizations engaged in promoting an equitable, open and democratic society.

The specific objective is to promote the empowerment of young women and men and their participation in inclusive and sustainable growth within the overall concept of decent work for all, said Van Damme.

The call will prioritise support to multi-actor partnerships with the private sector and public authorities, socioeconomic initiatives aimed at sustainable wealth and job creation, sustainable service provision for productive activities and access to productive resources and improvement of the business environment and practices, said the statement.

It added, Specific emphasis is put on tackling injustice and inequality and enabling citizens and populations to benefit from inclusive social services, wealth and job creation.

This is fully in line with the strategic objective of the EU's development cooperation in Zimbabwe to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty and to support peace and stability, by supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, with particular attention to the crosscutting thematic areas of gender equality, youth, vulnerable groups and migration.

Link:
Democracy: EU pours $5m into youths projects - New Zimbabwe.com