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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
FAMILIES must not marry off young girls to cope with drought and climate change, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has said.
Launching the International Families Day in Mt Darwin recently, Senator Mutsvangwa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the drought mitigation programme and providing food for all its citizens.
This year many families need food aid and Zimbabwe will have to import some of its food after the El Nino drought. With agriculture being the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, many families are food-stressed.
Drought can lead to economic stress, frustration, and tension in homes, which can manifest in the form of domestic violence.
Speaking at Dotito Primary School, Mt Darwin, Senator Mutsvangwa said families are the critical building block of a community, society, and country at large.
“Hence the need to direct attention towards the socio-economic issues that impacted the development of families. Climate change has had a negative impact on the family unit but no one should marry off their children to get food. The Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, has embarked on a programme to provide food for everyone in the country.
Senator Mutsvangwa urged mothers to open up and report any form of abuse, rather than suffer in silence or watch their children being abused. She warned men against emotionally and physically abusing their partners.
“Respect and support your wives because a mentally stable spouse raises well-behaved and empowered children.
“To young girls, I say do not throw away your future by rushing into marriage. Pursue education first, don’t let financial gain motivate you to look for men. Uplift yourself first to positively change the lives of your own families. Emulate and appreciate the hard work that your parents showed by sending you to school.”
Senator Mutsvangwa encouraged communities to embrace and practice the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept and grow traditional grains.
“Plant small grains like sorghum or millet to eradicate food insecurity instead of resorting to early child marriages and gender-based violence,” she said.
Chief Dotito, Mr Takaedza Nyawanza, denounced child marriages and urged his subjects to put an end to the practice.
This year’s drought has threatened food security leading to parents resorting to the harmful practice of marrying their young children to get food,” he said.
“This is wrong. Children are a vital part of society and parents must work tirelessly to ensure that their children get a proper education and a brighter future.”
The chief added that gender-based violence is tearing families apart with cases on the rise in Mt Darwin.
Prophetess Anna Moyounofa advised women against focusing on materialistic things, but to seek wisdom from God.
Online Reporter