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Yesterday, African States celebrated the Day of the African Child. The commemorations, which were held under the “Ending child marriage in Africa” theme, saw one of Zimbabwe’s leading radio stations, StarFM kicking off the commemorations earlier. Last week, the station partnered with non-governmental organisation (NGO) Plan International for a campaign against child marriage.
The campaign saw StarFM’s Ndumiso Dube “Skywalker” together with Zaza, the Zazalicious One conducting an outside broadcast from Zhombe last weekend to celebrate children.
StarFM’s communications and public relations manager, Beatrice Tonhodzayi-Ngondo said they were proud to have been part of such initiatives that promote the well being of Zimbabwean girls and women as well as the boys and men.
“Child marriage is an evil that must be done away with. Our Constitution says a child is anyone under the age of 18 yet daily, we see reports of girls under 18 being raped or married off. Recently, we even had issues around 12-year-olds being deemed old enough to consent, which is worrisome.
“We’re therefore proud of such initiatives where partners like Plan International allow us to work with them to reach out to Zimbabweans and the whole world with critical messages that lead to behaviour change and a shift in how we think and behave. Child marriage is wrong and must stop; that was the message,” Tonhodzayi-Ngondo said.
The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991 when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity. It honours those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. Every year, governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realisation of the rights of children in Africa.
Online Reporter