CHILD marriages, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services have been identified as challenges bedevilling societies and negatively impacting adolescent girls.
This emerged during a recently concluded sensitisation workshop organised by the Forum for African Women Educationalists Zimbabwe (FAWEZI) in Chitungwiza.
The meeting brought together more than 100 adolescent and out of schoolgirls with government officials to raise awareness on issues such as early marriages and sexual and reproductive health.
Acting Deputy Director for Local Government Services in Harare Metropolitan Province, Cynthia Chari, said the future of adolescent girls is under threat from unplanned marriages and gender-based violence, among many other vices.
“These issues continue to undermine the rights, health, education, and future potential of our adolescent girls, particularly those who are out of school.
“This workshop, therefore, comes at a very critical time, as it seeks not only to raise awareness but also to equip girls with life skills, confidence, and knowledge of available protection and support services.
“I am particularly encouraged by the multi-sectoral approach reflected in this programme, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Department of Social Development, Ministry of Health and Child Care, National AIDS Council, Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Such collaboration is essential if we are to create safe, supportive, and enabling environments for our children and young people,” said Chari.
FAWEZI is implementing the Resilient, Innovative, Skilled and Empowered (RISE) programme in partnership with UNICEF.
The initiative aims to empower 24,000 adolescent girls in Chitungwiza and Chipinge.
Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Health and Child Care official Jane Mhlanga further lamented the negative effects of child marriages, teen pregnancies and GBV.
“Many cases of teenage pregnancy can be prevented if girls are empowered with correct information about their bodies, their rights and the services available to them.
“Adolescent girls must know that health facilities provide confidential, youth-friendly services where they can seek help without fear.”
