‘Strong families are the nation’s bedrock’

Peter Matika, [email protected]

THE Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has made a heartfelt appeal for citizens to safeguard the integrity of families, emphasising that strong family units are the cornerstone of a prosperous nation.

Speaking at the belated International Day of Families commemorations held at Bulawayo’s White City Stadium yesterday, Senator Mutsvangwa stressed that while economic development is essential, it must not come at the cost of the values that bind communities together.

She highlighted the importance of nurturing strong family bonds, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring the well-being of all family members.

“We are working hard to build a better Zimbabwe for everyone. True progress is not just about money. It is about creating a society where families are supported, where children are raised with good values, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” she said.

Her remarks come at a time when many nations are grappling with shifting social dynamics and the pressures of modern life.

Senator Mutsvangwa believes that by prioritising family values, Zimbabwe can build a more resilient and prosperous society for future generations.

“Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a strong nation. Let’s work together to create a Zimbabwe where both economic opportunity and family well-being go hand in hand,” she said.

Senator Mutsvangwa also outlined her ministry’s ongoing efforts to support families, promote gender equality, and empower women and young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“This includes programmes focused on entrepreneurship, skills development, and access to resources,” she said.

The International Day of Families is commemorated annually on May 15, following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

The day recognises the family as the fundamental unit of society and serves as a platform to raise awareness of issues affecting families and promote their well-being.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development.”

“This theme highlights the crucial role of families in achieving sustainable development goals and underscores the importance of integrating family-centric policies. It also aligns with the upcoming Second World Summit for Social

Development,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She noted that the aim of commemorating the day is to strengthen families at risk and prevent complete family breakdown.

“The objective is to improve the family situation for children, striving towards a world where children and young people overcome adversities, are proud of themselves and their achievements, and look forward to a future of opportunity, equality, and equity,” she said.

This year’s commemorations were held in Bulawayo for the first time and were attended by senior Government officials, parliamentarians, service chiefs, and residents from all walks of life.

The event was marked by vibrant performances from schoolchildren and local arts groups, celebrating the spirit of family and community.