By Staff writer
STAKEHOLDERS have raised concern over the worrying statistics of young girls dropping out of school due to early marriages.
This comes in the wake of revelations last week by the Minister of Primary and Secondary education, Torerai Moyo.
Speaking in Parliament, Moyo told the house that at least 4,557 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy in 2023.
What is even more worrying is that, 3,942 are girls from rural areas.
This has forced stakeholders to add their voice to the growing calls for action to be taken to curb the trend.
East and Southern Africa Hivos (SRHR) fund ambassador and lnerela Zimbabwe National coordinator, Paul Juru said the situation is very worrying.
WORRYING STATISTICS
“We are deeply concerned about the alarming number of girls dropping out of school due to pregnancy in Zimbabwe,” Juru told The Echo News.
“The fact that 4,557 girls, including 134 primary school girls, were forced to abandon their education is unacceptable.”
Juru added that this is a indicative of a systematic breakdown in the cultural norms and values in Zimbabwe.
“This issue is a clear indication of the systemic failures in our society, including inadequate access to comprehensive sexuality education,
“Lack of access to reproductive health services, and the perpetuation of harmful gender norms,” he said.
Juru said there was need to empower the girl child through information dissemination so that they can make informed decisions.
He added that communities need to challenge the cultural practices that perpetuate the abuse of young women.
“As a society we must work together to ensure that girls have access to information, services, and support they need to make informed choices,” Juru said.
“We must also challenge the harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate this issue.”
CALL FOR ACTION
Meanwhile, the Inerela Zimbabwe and Hivos East and Southern Africa SRHR Fund Champions have demanded for immediate action.
In a press statement on Monday, they called for immediate action to end the vices affecting young girls.
“We are deeply concerned about the delay in finalizing protective legislation for children in Zimbabwe,” reads part of the statement.
“Despite the Constitutional Court’s ruling in May 2022, which highlighted the need for urgent action, the necessary amendments to the Criminal Law Code have yet to be signed into law,
This legislative gap leaves children aged 16 to 18 vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse.”
As a champion for sexual and reproductive health rights, We urge Parliament and the Government to expedite the passage of this critical legislation.
We cannot afford to wait any longer, as every day that passes puts more children at risk. I call upon our leaders to prioritize the protection and well-being of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable citizens.
The statement called for three action points to be taken to nip the abuse in the bud.
“Immediate signing of the amended Bill into law,” the statement further said.
“Strengthened protections for children against sexual exploitation and abuse Enhanced enforcement mechanisms to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
