‘Zim has one million child brides’
ZIMBABWE should continue to support the girl-child in meaningful ways for young women to realise their rights and achieve their full potential, as statistics show that the country has one million child brides.
This was said by a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) official, Ms Precious Babbage, at the International Day of the Girl Child commemorations organised by Lily of Valleys Home of Hope at Rupere Primary School in Marondera last week.
Ms Babbage, who was standing in for UNICEF representative in Zimbabwe Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, said young girls face mammoth challenges in their day-to-day lives.
“While progress is being made in gender equality, girls still face stark challenges in a wide range of areas — including health, nutrition, education and skills, gender-based violence, child marriage and equal opportunities,” said Ms Babbage.
“Available data highlights that 22 percent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing. One-third of the maternal deaths are among adolescents 10-19. There are over 85 000 adolescents 10-19 living with HIV, 4,1 percent of girls aged 13-17 experience sexual violence, and Zimbabwe is home to over one million child brides, with one in three young women having been married in childhood.”
Ms Babbage implored all stakeholders to amplify their efforts in supporting young girls across the country.
She commended the Private Voluntary Organisation Lily of Valley Home of Hope Foundation for supporting young girls, especially in rural areas.
“I would like to express UNICEF’s appreciation of the work being done by Lily of Valley Home of Hope in advancing the rights of children, through its vision to empower adolescent girls and young women to pursue their life goals free from gender-based violence and poverty,” she said.
Lily of Valley Home of Hope founder and director Mrs Fortunate Kufakunesu urged young girls to utilise the advice they get to be better people.
“I came from a similar background and what you witness and admire in me today is not the result of many individuals, but rather the support of just one couple, who sponsored my education,” she said.
“Today, with the presence of UNICEF, I believe that a special girl’s life can experience a significant transformation through every teaching and advice that is going to be shared.
“To our girls, treasure every moment of this special day, and may it encourage you to become that powerful person you are meant to be. Embrace your uniqueness and remember that you are special.”
International Day of the Girl Child is commemorated annually on October 11 and seeks to acknowledge the importance, power and potential of adolescent girls.
This year’s commemorations ran under the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”.