Zim commended for entrenching women and children’s rights

Mutsawashe Mashandure-Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe has taken notable steps in supporting children’s rights and women affected by obstetric fistulas, and prioritising gender equality, a report by Amnesty International says.

This follows recent legislative advancements in the Children’s Amendment Act, which was gazetted on July 19, 2003, and also campaigns to raise awareness on obstetric fistulas.

Speaking at the launch of the State of the World’s Human Rights Report recently, Amnesty International Zimbabwe executive director Mrs Lucia Masuka commended progress that has been made by Government in the protection of children and women’s rights

“From our reports, we have seen women with obstetric fistula suffer from a hole between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, which is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. 

“It leaves women and girls leaking urine, faeces, or both and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation, and deepening poverty, she said

“We talked with Members of Parliament to engage with the Ministry of Child and Health Care so that they can assist these women. 

“And we have seen the Government help those women by awareness campaigns,” she said.

Mrs Masuka said they also observed that the Government has made amendments to the Children’s Amendment Act.

“The Children’s Act now ensures compliance with Section 19, as read with Section 81 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which grants every child the right to be protected from any form of abuse, including sexual exploitation, child labour, and any form of economic exploitation, maltreatment, and neglect,” she said.

She applauded the Government for the Child Amendment Act, saying it will reduce early child marriages and sexual abuse.

 “I applaud our Government for enacting this Child Amendment Act; it means young girls will be able to finish their schooling without any sexual abuse as men now fear being imprisoned,” she added.

Mrs Masuka urged local authorities to improve on water sanitation to avoid outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.