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l UNICEF sees progress in Zim in addressing matters affecting adolescents
l Hails Marriages Act as a powerful tool in adressing the marriage of minors
Talent Gore
ABOUT 22 percent of girls, aged between 15 and 19, are PREGNANT.
Over 85 000 adolescents, aged between 10 and 19, are living with HIV.
This is according to statistics by the UN at the Communication Campaign on Adolescents in Harare.
However, Zimbabwe has been hailed for the progress which has been made in addressing matters affecting adolescents.
Notable accomplishments include the recent passing of the Marriages Act that prohibits the marriage of minors under the age of 18.
Speaking at the campaign, Jacqueline Kabambe, programme chief HIV/AIDS and adolescent development at UNICEF, said adolescents in Zimbabwe were at risk of being denied development opportunities.
She, however, noted that the Government had already passed laws protecting minors from marriage under the age of 18 and ensuring pregnant girls and adolescent mothers can retain their place in school.
The campaign runs up to December and will highlight the situation of adolescents in the country.
She said out of an estimated population of 15.2 million, 1.8 million were adolescents.
“There are over 85 000 adolescents 10-19 living with HIV, while 4.1 percent of girls aged 13-17 experience sexual violence.
“Furthermore, Zimbabwe is home to over 1 million child brides, with one in three young women having been married in childhood.
“All of these deprivations impede adolescent development, especially the cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural capacities that support health and well-being.”
Kabambe added:
“Zimbabwe has made progress in addressing matters affecting adolescents, notable accomplishments include the recent passing of the Marriages Act that prohibits the marriage of minors under the age of 18.
“The Education Amendment Act has also made provisions for school retention for pregnant girls and adolescent mothers, free basic education, abolishment of corporal punishment as well as provision of free sanitary wear for girls in primary and secondary schools.
“The country has a Youth Policy and Strategy which have prioritised participation and economic development, including skills development for employability.”
Kabambe said UNICEF’s aim was to support the Government’s efforts.
“We aim to advance the development and participation of adolescents aged 10-19 in matters affecting them, and to ensure adolescents, especially adolescent girls, those with disabilities and the most vulnerable, are empowered and equipped with knowledge, skills and opportunities to become socially and economically resilient,” she said.
Online Reporter