Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central Province on Saturday joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Families, reaffirming the family’s role as the cornerstone of national development and social cohesion.
Speaking at the celebrations, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo called for collective efforts to protect and nurture families.
He was represented by the director for Coordination Mr Admore Shereni.
“The family is not just a social unit; it is the foundation of every society,” Minister Magomo said.
“Before one goes to school, work or church, they come from a family. And when we leave gatherings such as this, we return to our families.”
Established by the United Nations in 1993, the International Day of Families has been commemorated annually since 1994.
However, Minister Magomo said the family predates all institutions, rooted in both culture and divine tradition.
In Zimbabwe, Chapter 2, Section 25 of the Constitution obliges the State and its institutions to protect and foster the family unit, support caregivers, and prevent domestic violence.
“This is both a legal and moral obligation. We must design and implement policies with families at the core,” said Minister Magomo
This year’s theme, “Developing Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development,” aligns with national development frameworks such as Vision 2030 and NDS1/NDS2.
“These policies place families at the centre of our developmental vision. Every programme must answer one question: How does this benefit the family?” the Minister asked.
Provincial Development Officer Mrs Judith Hove emphasised the family’s role in shaping society, nurturing future generations, and sustaining development.
She applauded the Government’s grassroots empowerment efforts and the support of religious institutions.
“We deeply value the role of churches. Their influence is protected by the Constitution, and they must continue offering youth-focused programmes that steer young people away from drug abuse and into positive, life-building spaces,” said Mrs Hove.
She highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, which include entrepreneurship training, skills development, and social programmes aimed at stabilising families through economic empowerment.
“When families face economic hardship, households become unstable,” she said.
“We must implement tailored, sustainable programmes that address real family needs. Productive adults build stable homes.”
Mrs Hove also spoke on the emotional toll of failed ventures, noting that economic stress often leads to underperformance and family strain.
“Every adult in a household should be engaged in income-generating activities. This is how we build strong, cohesive families,” she said.
The ministry, she said is also promoting gender-sensitive budgeting to ensure all members of the family, men, women, and children benefit from household income.
Family-focused events are being rolled out to rebuild and reinforce the family unit.
“Our goal is simple. To build strong, stable families where children access education, households are free from crime and abuse, and everyone contributes meaningfully to society,” she said.
Prophetess Annah Moyounotsva echoed the importance of family, describing it as “God’s idea.”
She urged families to prioritise love, unity and faith.
“There are no perfect families, but there can be growing families,” she said.
“Domestic violence tears the family apart. We must all strive for self-control and put God first.”
