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Mutsvangwa applauds Matebeleland South
20 hrs ago | Views
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has lauded efforts in Matabeleland South to combat child marriages, highlighting the province's proactive collaboration with traditional and religious leaders in addressing the issue.
Speaking at the provincial launch of the one-stop centre at Mpilo Central Hospital last week, Mutsvangwa noted that despite Matabeleland South ranking second after Mashonaland Central in cases of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, significant strides were being made.
Mutsvangwa expressed satisfaction with the province's approach, emphasizing the role of community leaders and stakeholders in ensuring accountability:
"I was happy when I was given a report in Matabeleland South yesterday. They are trying very hard to deal with child marriages, working with traditional and religious leaders to make sure anybody who marries off a child under 18 years will be held accountable," she said.
She added that all those complicit in child marriages, including family members who accept dowries for underage girls, would face criminal charges:
"Everyone who receives money for dowry—uncles, aunts, grandparents, and parents—will be arrested. They are considered criminals."
Mutsvangwa identified teenage pregnancies as a major concern in the province, calling for intensified efforts to empower girls to prioritize their education and personal development.
"I feel as a girl who left at a tender age to join the struggle, when I speak about girls and women empowerment, I do so with passion," she said.
She encouraged girls to focus on their aspirations and avoid risky relationships with older men, often referred to as "sugar daddies," which exacerbate vulnerabilities.
The minister's remarks come amid sobering global statistics on gender-based violence. According to the United Nations, 133 girls and women are killed every day, equating to a woman or girl dying every 11 minutes. Additionally, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Mutsvangwa stressed the need for collective action to address systemic issues, improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, and strengthen community structures to protect girls and women.
Community-based organizations, local leaders, and policymakers were urged to collaborate on practical strategies to address sexual and reproductive health challenges in the drought-prone region. The establishment of the one-stop centre at Mpilo Central Hospital is expected to enhance support services for victims of abuse and further the fight against child marriages.
Speaking at the provincial launch of the one-stop centre at Mpilo Central Hospital last week, Mutsvangwa noted that despite Matabeleland South ranking second after Mashonaland Central in cases of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, significant strides were being made.
Mutsvangwa expressed satisfaction with the province's approach, emphasizing the role of community leaders and stakeholders in ensuring accountability:
"I was happy when I was given a report in Matabeleland South yesterday. They are trying very hard to deal with child marriages, working with traditional and religious leaders to make sure anybody who marries off a child under 18 years will be held accountable," she said.
She added that all those complicit in child marriages, including family members who accept dowries for underage girls, would face criminal charges:
"Everyone who receives money for dowry—uncles, aunts, grandparents, and parents—will be arrested. They are considered criminals."
Mutsvangwa identified teenage pregnancies as a major concern in the province, calling for intensified efforts to empower girls to prioritize their education and personal development.
"I feel as a girl who left at a tender age to join the struggle, when I speak about girls and women empowerment, I do so with passion," she said.
She encouraged girls to focus on their aspirations and avoid risky relationships with older men, often referred to as "sugar daddies," which exacerbate vulnerabilities.
The minister's remarks come amid sobering global statistics on gender-based violence. According to the United Nations, 133 girls and women are killed every day, equating to a woman or girl dying every 11 minutes. Additionally, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Mutsvangwa stressed the need for collective action to address systemic issues, improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, and strengthen community structures to protect girls and women.
Community-based organizations, local leaders, and policymakers were urged to collaborate on practical strategies to address sexual and reproductive health challenges in the drought-prone region. The establishment of the one-stop centre at Mpilo Central Hospital is expected to enhance support services for victims of abuse and further the fight against child marriages.
Source - newsday
