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Fiona Ruzha
FIRST Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has urged men to be heavily involved in issues of health services, child marriages and gender-based violence.
Speaking during a conference aimed at providing a platform for men to explore HIV and Aids issues affecting them, Amai Mnangagwa said she felt that men were missing in action.
“Most of you I believe you have realised that by the time I became First Lady, I had been working hard to address the gaps and disparities pertaining to utilisation of health services by children, adolescent girls and women.
“I have led campaigns to get women screened and treated for cancer and pregnant women to be HIV tested for their own health and that of their unborn babies.
“However, from my interaction with women it came to my attention that men are missing or left out and that is not right because we are one nation made up of both men and women.
“So I am here to listen to your concerns and play whatever part I can to address your concerns but please bear with me that I am not disrespecting you as I stand in front of you to discuss these pertinent issues but it requires us to unite as we fight against such,” she said.
Amai Mnangagwa said most men face challenges accessing health services.
“Most men have a challenge with accessing health services either because you were brought up to be strong or just that you have your own unresolved problems.
“My interactions with women have shown that while most men are happy to be fathers, not all are willing to be seen publicly supporting their partners.
“But as couples it is important to openly talk about preventing HIV from your families and health matters should take centre stage in any union,” she said.
Amai also challenged men to fight against gender-based violence and child marriages.
According to the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, Mashonaland Central Province tops the list of teenage pregnancies at 31 percent, Matabeleland South Province is second with 30 percent, followed by Manicaland Province (28 percent) while Matabeleland North has 26 percent.
Mashonaland East Province has 25 percent, Midlands 24 percent, Mashonaland West 20 percent, Masvingo Province 18 percent and Bulawayo Province 12 percent, with Harare Province at 10 percent.
“Issues of GBV are now rampant and we have heard of cases whereby one partner is left injured.
“But I am here to challenge you to stop and if there is a misunderstanding you should be able to talk and not fight.
“And also the high rates of teen pregnancies and child marriages in Mashonaland Central are still worrisome and we both do have a role to play,” she said.
Amai Mnangagwa, who is the ambassador for child and maternal health has been advocating for access to health for women and children.
She launched a campaign in February this year through her Angel of Hope Organisation where she raised money to fight cervical cancer and the programme benefited thousands of women countrywide.
Online Reporter