Zim girls remain vulnerable

Mathew Masinge

GIRLS in Zimbabwe continue to face challenges, including risks of falling pregnant or being married at an early stage.

This has been said by a girls’ rights advocate.

The country yesterday joined the rest of the world to commemorate The International Day of the Girl Child.

October 11 is observed internationally after it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 2011.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS), which has been championing girls’ rights, marked the day by calling for the protection and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

“As SYS, we join hands with the global community to commemorate the day because we understand the disadvantages girls face thereby focusing on problems and challenges faced by girls, which are an impediment to their well-being, and achieving a better quality of life.

“The day acknowledges the importance, power, and potential of adolescent girls by encouraging the opening up of more opportunities for them.

“At the same time, this day is designated to eliminate gender-based challenges that girls face around the world, including child marriages, poor learning opportunities, violence, neglect and discrimination’” said SYS director, Ekenia Chifamba.

Added Chifamba:

“We understand the plight of the girl child with regards to issues that affect them.

“This year’s celebrations come at a time when the world is shifting to worse times.

“There are issues of period poverty, menstrual hygiene, teenage pregnancies and maternal deaths of young girls.”

In a joint statement, the European Union and Unicef Zimbabwe denounced child marriages.

“Adolescent pregnancies and child marriages are widespread in Zimbabwe.

“One woman out of three is married before the age of 18.

“Child marriage has a devastating impact on the lives of adolescent girls as it disrupts childhood and often leads to early pregnancies with health complications, and school drop-out, preventing girls from developing to their full potential,” reads the statement.

SYS will celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on Friday with its the annual Sexual and Reproductive Health Symposium.