Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
Government and civil society have called for stronger collaboration across sectors to protect children from abuse, exploitation and neglect, warning that fragmented efforts continue to expose minors to harm.
The call was made on Tuesday at a multi-stakeholder child safeguarding engagement in Harare that brought together Government officials, churches, civil society organisations and children, underscoring the need for a coordinated national response.
Acting director for social development and labour administration Mr Tawanda Zimunga, represented by principal social development officer for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ms Patience Rupende, said children continue to face serious threats that require an integrated response.
“Children in Zimbabwe continue to face multiple vulnerabilities including abuse, neglect, exploitation, harmful cultural practices and poverty,” said Mr Zimunga.
He said Government has responded through policy reforms, including the recently approved National Action Plan for Children, anchored on five pillars such as ending violence, strengthening families and eliminating child labour.
“This plan advances evidence-based and coordinated interventions to enhance the wellbeing, care and protection of children,” he said.
Mr Zimunga said the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) reinforces child protection through a Whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach, urging stakeholders to align their efforts with national priorities.
Turning to the role of faith institutions, he said churches must use their influence responsibly and help create safe spaces for children.
“We need to ensure that every church is a safe space for children, where they are protected, heard and valued,” he said.
Viva Network Zimbabwe director, Mr Widdlack Nyahwedegwe, highlighted efforts to build child-friendly churches through a model linking Government, church leaders and denominational bodies.
“We are trying to bring together the Government, church leaders and councils so that whatever is agreed can be implemented effectively,” he said.
Mr Nyahwedegwe said the model, piloted in 150 churches since 2022, promotes systems such as child protection policies and committees to safeguard children within congregations.
“For us to say we have a child-friendly church, there must be systems that show the church cares, protects and prioritises children,” he said.
Social Development Officer for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Ms Charity Baloyi, said the National Case Management System provides a structured framework for coordinated child protection services.
“The case management system is about interconnected services working together towards one goal, which is child protection,” said Ms Baloyi.
She said the system ensures coordinated identification, referral and response to abuse cases across Government and community structures.
“We are saying everyone has a role to play. Anyone can identify a child protection case and refer it,” she said.
Ms Baloyi added that urgent cases such as sexual abuse must be referred within 72 hours to ensure access to medical and legal support.
“We must ensure that children receive timely medical attention and protection services within the required timeframe,” she said.
Stakeholders at the engagement agreed that stronger partnerships among Government, faith groups and communities are key to building an effective and unified child protection.
