Traditions, economic hardships force girls out of school

and Community Development Minister Olivia Muchena has said.
The minister said this at the launch of Plan Zimbabwe report on vulnerable children titled “Because I am a Girl” recently in Harare.
“Education is the most important gift in a girl’s life and girls should be given equal opportunity to be what they want to be.
“We should give girls a chance to speak for themselves, equal participation in the family and community. That way we can ensure our good leaders of tomorrow,” said Minister Muchena.

She urged the need to popularise opportunities for the girl child and informing both the community and the parents on programmes that aid the well being of girls.
“There is need to bring awareness to parents and communities on programmes by the department of Social Services, Child Protection like Beam and Teen Mothers Therapeutic Care Trust.

“We should promote our girls through scholarships by targeting those who have potential, empowering them.
“Parents must encourage our children and not condemn them to perpetual poverty if they fail,” she said.

After analysing the report of the campaign by plan Zimbabwe, the minister traced the causes of the situation of the girl child to the economic meltdown and the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Britain and its western allies.

“We have had reversals because of the economic meltdown and sanctions imposed on us.
“Parents sometimes make decisions that deprive the girl child because they are financially challenged and girls end up having some dropping out of school, engage in prostitution and advocate early marriages,” she said.

Mrs else Kragholm, the country director also urged different stakeholders, boys and men to come together and support girls to realise their full potentials.
“We note the importance of having boys and men on board as going to leave them out is like clapping with one hand.

“We appeal to the boys to join us in this campaign to be a success,” said Kragholm.
This campaign is the third global campaign after the “Universal Birth Registration” of 2004 and the “Learn without Fear” of 2009.
The organisation has been operating in Zimbabwe for 25 years in 10 districts.