Chinomona condemns child marriages
DEPUTY Speaker of Parliament and Mutoko North legislator Cde Mabel Chinomona (pictured above) last week urged Government to put in place measures to eliminate the twin evils of child marriages and violence against women.
Addressing guests at the launch of the Provincial Women’s Day held in Mutoko on Friday last week, Cde Chinomona said child marriages and domestic violence cases were on the rise, particularly in rural areas. “I have noticed with concern that issues of child marriages are not addressed adequately, especially in rural areas,” she said. “Girls as young as 16 or below are being married and parents are doing nothing about that.
“The community must work with Government, guardians and parents, even headmen and chiefs must rise and protect our girls from child marriages.”
In addition to urging women to participate in politics, she implored them to support each other.
“Women must support each other, especially in areas of politics,” said Cde Chinomona.
“The new dispensation under President Mnangagwa advocates for the inclusion of women in key positions in Government, but we can only achieve this if we remain united and stop pulling each other down. Only that will see more women legislators and ministers in our nation.”
Cde Chinomona urged women to undergo cervical cancer screening. Speaking at the same occasion, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs David Musabayana said men needed to shy away from violence against women.
“Government, under President ED Mnangagwa, has made significant strides in empowering women,” he said.
“One scholar said if you empower a woman, you have empowered a nation. Our Government has even allowed pregnant women to receive free treatment as a way of recognising them.”
Cde Musabayana encouraged women to register to vote and to exercise the right wisely by voting for President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF. NATIONAL Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ)’s Mutare branch last week held a Ladies Gala, which saw a record 83 women under the age of 30 donating blood ahead of the upcoming independence holiday.
NBSZ Mutare spokesperson Mr Nick Muparutsa said the gala was part of an ongoing initiative throughout the month of April to improve the province’s blood stocks.
“Despite chilly and drizzly weather, we are grateful to those who came and donated blood to save lives during the gala,” he said.
“We had a target of 80 women, but we exceeded that target.”
Mr Muparutsa said despite the marked increase in road traffic accidents recorded over the Easter holiday this year, Manicaland had adequate blood stocks.
There are also plans to build enough blood stocks to cover the independence holiday.
This year’s gala was coordinated by NBSZ nurse counsellors, who held discussion sessions on various issues with the ladies.
“Traditionally, we invite guest speakers from the health fraternity to lead discussions on topical health issues that affect the well-being and blood quality of our young donors,” said Mr Muparutsa.
“This year, however, the Ladies Gala was conducted by our own nurse counsellors, who focused on the major issues of abstinence and safe sex.”
Prior to hosting the event, NBSZ held another blood drive, Men Splash, on March 5, where more than 140 donors attended.
“Prior to this Ladies Gala, we had another blood drive by the Pledge 25 group, the Men Splash, at Mutare NBSZ Clinic,” said Mr Muparutsa.
“Men are more responsive to blood drives than their female counterparts and the splash had a massive attendance of around 140 young men coming in to donate blood.”