Matabeleland South Lauded for Efforts to Combat Child Marriages

Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe’s Women Affairs minister, praised Matabeleland South for commendable progress in tackling child marriages, an issue prevalent in several regions across the country.

The province, ranked second to Mashonaland Central in a survey on teenage pregnancies and child marriages, faces significant sexual and reproductive health challenges. Droughts compound the crisis.

Authorities, community leaders, and organizations have collaborated to devise practical solutions addressing these challenges, aiming to reduce the alarming statistics linked to child marriages.

During an event at Mpilo Central Hospital, Mutsvangwa expressed appreciation for the province’s commitment, particularly its partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.

Efforts to ensure accountability for child marriages include strict measures targeting those involved in facilitating such unions, including families receiving dowries.

“We must treat anyone marrying off children under 18 as criminals,” Mutsvangwa declared. Families involved in such practices also face consequences under these policies.

The minister highlighted teenage pregnancies as another pressing issue, emphasizing the need for empowering young girls to achieve their potential without succumbing to societal pressures.

Drawing from her experiences as a former freedom fighter, Mutsvangwa passionately advocated for the protection and empowerment of young women.

She cautioned girls against pursuing relationships with older men for material gain, urging them to focus on education and long-term goals instead.

The alarming prevalence of violence against women globally was also underscored, with UN reports revealing that a woman or girl is killed every 11 minutes.

According to the report, one in three women worldwide has experienced violence by an intimate partner, underlining the urgency of addressing gender-based violence comprehensively.

Mutsvangwa’s call to action resonated strongly, as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with cultural, economic, and societal factors contributing to child marriages and violence against women.

The collaborative approach adopted in Matabeleland South serves as a potential blueprint for other regions, offering hope for significant progress in combating these issues nationwide.

For further insights on gender-based violence and its global impact, visit the United Nations’ official site. Keep following updates on Zimbabwean societal efforts for more developments.

The Zim Bulletin