Muchaneta Chimuka
GOVERNMENT ministries, the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) and development partners have commemorated the belated International Day of the Girl Child in Harare under the theme, “End Child Marriages, Invest in Girl Rights”.
Learners from various schools marked the occasion through dance, poetry and drama, highlighting issues affecting girls.
Junior Member of Parliament for Glen Norah, Tinashe Chinyandura, condemned the rising cases of child marriage, saying the practice robbed girls of their futures and their right to education.
ECOZI programmes manager Ms Wadzanayi Chitiga called for the elimination of harmful cultural and religious practices that contribute to child marriage.
“One of the ways of ending child marriage is through keeping girls in schools. Parents and community leaders should be educated on the importance of investing in the girl child’s education for economic development,” she said.
ECOZI member, executive leader, diplomatic peace ambassador and social entrepreneur Mrs Sinobokuhle Buhlungu urged the girls not to be defined by their negative backgrounds.
“We want you to become advocates for other young girls out there. Never allow your negative backgrounds at home to haunt you,” she said.
“Resurrect and fight for development and your wellbeing, shun drug and substance abuse and obey your elders. Study hard and use your data productively.”
Dzivaresekwa legislator Edwin Mushoriwa said the Constitution of Zimbabwe is clear that children under 18 years should not be married hence, perpetrators should be brought to book.
“As Members of Parliament, we commit ourselves to protecting the rights, dignity and future of every girl child in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“We uphold the law by advocating for the full enforcement of the Constitution and the Marriages Act, which prohibit child marriage.”
He said they strengthen parliamentary oversight by holding responsible ministries and institutions accountable for preventing child marriage, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence.
“We are there to protect every girl’s right to education by advocating for adequate support for vulnerable learners and ensuring that pregnancy or motherhood does not become a barrier to continuing education,” he said.
Mr Mushoriwa added that they work with communities that include parents, traditional leaders, churches, schools and civil society to challenge harmful practices and promote the rights of children.
“Our mandate is to support survivors by advocating for accessible reporting mechanisms, counselling, healthcare, legal assistance and social protection and to promote economic empowerment for girls and vulnerable families so that poverty does not force children into marriage or exploitation,” he added.
Other participants include Plan International, Education Development Trust, CAMFED, FAWEZI, Higher Life Foundation, among others.
