Need for increased support systems in schools to fight COVID-19

AT the inception of the tightened lockdown measures, we call on duty bearers and national institutions to be ready to respond to potentially increased cases of gender-based violence.

We note with trepidation the lives of women and girls that have been put at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, the country continues to rely on non-State actors whose operational functionality remains constrained.

We, therefore, urge the participation of government in protecting women and girls against violence from both private and public sources.

We further urge an increase in access to services for survivors of violence, by designating such services as essential in the COVID-19 era.

Preventive measures must be scaled up in the communities.

We are concerned with numerous reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in various educational communities in the country.

We raise concern as learners have commenced their Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council Grade 7, O and A Level examinations, which require them to attend physically in large numbers.

We urge the strengthening of the vaccination system in schools and other tertiary institutions.

We continue to emphasise the need to prioritise the safety of learners, teachers and supporting staff within the education sector.

We urge that support systems in schools should be upscaled, with notable priority given to schools in rural communities which have water and sanitation limitations.

We urge a robust infection monitoring and reporting system in schools and tertiary institutions.

We call for increased efforts by the district COVID-19 taskforce teams on community engagement and availing of testing and tracing support to communities. Women’s Coalition of

Zimbabwe