Background/Context With the history of politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe, especially experienced in 2002 and 2008, there emerged a new form of threat in the communities. Violence and fear of violence, especially sponsored by the state, communities have been paralysed by political intolerance over the last 15 years. This has created insecurity amongst the people, particularly women, youth, and children (RAU. 2010). Research to understand what community security meant for women and youth in light of the violence of 2008 in Zimbabwe was undertaken (RAU.2015). The report identified common perceptions for young people, especially women, of threats to their security in the community, which included the continued existence of the structures of violence. In some cases these run parallel to the formal structures of government.2 The study also showed that security, for the women and young people in the target communities, goes beyond the mere absence of physical violence. It involves a complex interaction of various factors affecting women and youth such as gender-based violence, continued droughts and the politicisation of food aid, high levels of unemployment, exclusion from key decision making processes and from accessing economic benefits among others. For young people it is exclusion when and where it matters most. Therefore promotion of community security must include a wide range of social interventions that are needed to ensure freedom from fear. It is from this understanding that the project sought to create platforms that brought together community members and the local leaders (Councillors in the case of the urban areas and the local traditional leaders in the case of rural areas): firstly create understanding and expectations from each other and then explore how best to address the concerns. The assumption here is that creating linkages and understanding will help to create access to the leaders and generate interest in the local affairs for the community members. It is also hoped that participation of citizens will help foster democracy starting at the local level and this can help in promoting accountability and eventually improved service delivery. But are state structures ready to incorporate the views of citizens, especially those of the youth to increase their participation? Methodology The study was carried out in Gweru (urban) and Chiundura (rural) in the Midlands province, chosen on the basis of previous RAU work (RAU.2015). To help explain and interpret the responses from the questionnaire, four focus group discussions (FGDs) were held, two in the urban area and two in rural areas. The FDGs participants were selected community members, councillors and traditional leaders. Table 1: Participants – Questionnaires & FGDs Activity Type Male [n=36] Focus group discussions with youth (urban) 8 Focus group discussions with youth (Rural) 10 Individual interviews 20 Urban Councillors 6 Traditional leaders Total 5 49 Female [n=31] 12 10 36 1 0 59 2 RAU (2015)Perceptions of Community Security: A Study on Gweru & Chiundura Communities, February 2015. Harare: Research & Advocacy Unit. 4