Mugabe challenges Apostolic churches

President Robert Mugabe has urged Apostolic churches to accept modern trends of educating the girl child and also accept that some diseases are only curable by modern medicine.
Speaking at the belated International Women's Day commemorations in Harare on Wednesday, President Mugabe said Apostolic churches must be persuaded to accept that better life comes when people are enlightened, adding that they risk being left behind the developmental train if they persist in their ways.
Mugabe also spoke at length about the increasing cases of rape and violence against women.
He said jailing and imposing deterrent sentences for perpetrators of rape and gender-based violence is not enough, adding that people need to be educated continuously about the effects of such actions on the life of women and the country at large.
The President said the theme of 'Celebrating Women's Gains Through Constitutional Provisions' dovetails well the United Nations theme of equality between men and women.
The women's day commemorations were attended by several government officials including the Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Oppah Muchinguri; the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Miriam Chikukwa and Health and Child Care Minister, Dr David Parirenyatwa, among others.
Speaking at the same occasion, Muchinguri said despite notable gains in protecting the rights of women since independence, there are some women and girls who continue to be victims of domestic violence and rape.  
Muchinguri appealed to President Mugabe to declare war on the perpetrators of gender based violence and rape, given the increase in cases of rape and gender violence.
Delegates at the women's day commemorations were touched when three young girls aged between 14 and 17 gave testimonies of how they were raped by their relatives and the offenders did not get deterrent punishment. 
Outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Alain Noudehou applauded the Zimbabwean government for efforts being made in reducing the cases of gender-based violence and wished the country well in future national programmes aimed at promoting the rights of women.
The commemorations were held under the theme, 'Celebrating Women's Gains Through Constitutional Provisions,' with a particular emphasis on the need to adopt a sound regulatory framework which guarantees women empowerment. 
Zimbabwe adopted a new constitution last year which has progressive provisions meant to safeguard the rights of women. 
The International Women's Day is held on the 8th of March every year.