Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Government has, over the years, strengthened the legislative and policy environment for the protection and well-being of children, as well as promoting adolescent well-being, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking during the launch of the multisectoral framework on the prevention and management of adolescent pregnancies in Zimbabwe in Goromonzi, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, said the event signified a renewed national commitment to address one of the most pressing public health, social and development challenges confronting the nation through multi-sectoral collaboration.
“Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the United Nations family, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, communities, and above all, our adolescents, whose invaluable contributions have made this framework possible. I appreciate your technical and financial support, as well as your contributions during the consultations, development and validation of the Framework.
“As Government, we are encouraged by the progress Zimbabwe has made over the years in strengthening the legislative and policy environment for the protection and well-being of children. Of note is the amendment of the Children’s Act [Chapter 5:06], which broadened the definition of a child in need of care and protection to include pregnant children. Complementary provisions in the Marriages Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act have also strengthened the national child protection framework,” he said.
Minister Moyo said, in addition, they have expanded educational opportunities, promoted school re-entry for adolescent mothers, strengthened child protection systems, enhanced social protection programmes, and invested in health systems and community-based interventions.
He said these achievements demonstrated the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and promoting adolescent well-being.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, notwithstanding these achievements, adolescent pregnancy remains a major challenge with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, communities and the nation at large. When adolescents are denied opportunities, leave school prematurely and become trapped in cycles of poverty and vulnerability, the consequences are felt far beyond individual households.
“Adolescent pregnancy is not merely a challenge affecting individual girls; it is a national development issue with implications for educational attainment, labour productivity, health outcomes, social cohesion and intergenerational poverty. It affects our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the realisation of Africa Agenda 2063 and the attainment of our national aspirations under Vision 2030. As a Government, we firmly believe that we are masters of our destiny. Central to that vision are our young people, who are the citizens, innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs and parents of tomorrow. This is affirmed by the mantra ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’.
“How we nurture and invest in our children today will determine the Zimbabwe we build for future generations. When adolescents thrive, families thrive. When families thrive, communities prosper. When communities prosper, nations develop. The Government of Zimbabwe recognises that adolescent pregnancy is a complex developmental challenge driven by multiple and interrelated factors, including poverty, child marriage, gender inequality, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, harmful social norms, violence, weak protection systems and disruptions in education,” Minister Moyo said.
He said evidence generated over the years has shown that adolescent pregnancies are increasing, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised groups.
He said findings from the 2023 National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response across sectors and disciplines.
“Behind every statistic lies a human story. Behind every number is a young girl whose dreams have been interrupted and a family grappling with difficult circumstances.
“Adolescent pregnancy is often both a symptom and a consequence of broader inequalities, including poverty, gender inequality, violence and harmful social norms, among others. Since these challenges are interconnected, our response must equally be integrated.
“It is against this background that the Government, working closely with development partners and other stakeholders, initiated the development of this Multi-sectoral Framework in response to the recommendations and findings of the National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies,” he said.
He said this framework was the first national instrument in Zimbabwe to provide a comprehensive, systems-based and multi-sectoral approach to preventing and managing adolescent pregnancies.
Minister Moyo said it recognises that no single Ministry, Department, Agency, organisation, community or individual can address this challenge alone.
“Rather, it is a shared responsibility requiring a Whole-of-gGovernment and whole-of-society approach. Accordingly, the Government will work closely with communities, schools, law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents and caregivers to strengthen protective environments, ensure early identification of vulnerable children and provide timely support, recognising that families remain the first line of protection.
“This resonates with our Ubuntu philosophy, which reminds us that it takes a village to raise a child. Ladies and Gentlemen, the launch of this framework is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a renewed journey that demands commitment, partnerships, resources, accountability and hope,” he said.
He said that the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare remains fully committed to providing leadership and coordination for this important national agenda.
Minister Moyo said successful implementation will require adequate and sustainable investment, and investments in adolescents should not be viewed as expenditure, but as investments in human capital.
“The returns are enormous and include healthier populations, better educational outcomes, reduced poverty, greater productivity, resilient communities and stronger economies. When girls stay in school, societies benefit,” he said.
“When girls are healthy, nations become stronger. When girls are economically empowered, poverty declines. When girls realise their full potential, communities become more resilient.
“Protecting adolescents is not merely a social obligation; it is a strategic investment in human capital and sustainable development. Investing in girls and young people is among the smartest investments we can make for Zimbabwe’s future prosperity,” he said.
He said the launch, therefore, serves as a call to action, a call for stronger partnerships, greater accountability, sustained investment and collective responsibility.
