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Ruth Labode, a Member of Parliament from Matabeleland North Province, has demanded that the Ministry of Health take immediate and drastic action to prevent child pregnancies.
This follows the release of a report by the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (Zimstat) showing that about 700 girls under the age of 15 gave birth in the country in 2022.
Labode raised the matter in Parliament recently and requested Health Minister Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to bring a Ministerial Statement outlining his strategy to curb the scourge of child pregnancies. She said:
<blockquote>
I am making reference to the Zimbabwe Statistics. Disaggregated data on the Distribution of Births by Age of Mother released during the launch of the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (ZimStats) Vital Statistics Report shows that 700 girls aged 10 to 14 gave birth in 2022. What does this say about this country?
Could the Minister of Health and Child Care bring a Ministerial Statement and tell us what strategy they have to curb this scourge of teenage pregnancies? A ten-year-old is not a teenager but a baby.
</blockquote>
In response, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, said:
<blockquote>
This question touches a lot of Zimbabweans, in particular a lot of women. The issue of teenage pregnancies is an issue that the whole country is seized with.
The Government is seized with it and the Ministry of Health is putting a lot of strategies that they would need to articulate in this House.
I think it is in order when the Hon. Member asked for a Ministerial Statement which will articulate step by step what they are doing.
To have 700 young girls aged 10 to 14 getting pregnant is very sad. A ten-year-old is a child and what has gone wrong with our people?
This is an issue that is not going to be just dealt with by the Ministry of Health alone but by inter-ministerial strategy.
This is something that we need to understand from the Home Affairs Ministry to see how many people have been jailed or castrated if they need to be.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa assured Parliament that measures will be taken to deal with the perpetrators and also asked for unity of purpose in dealing with the vice. She said:
<blockquote>
I think there is an element of madness that needs to be dealt with; an element of cruelty or animal behavior that needs to be dealt with.
Penalties should be quite high. I would obviously take this up with my colleagues.
We need to get that report and I certainly agree with her so that at least we can work together as a country.
It is about all of us as leaders in the areas where we live. It is also about us as parents working together, united as Zimbabweans to fight against this evil.
</blockquote>
According to Plan International, some of the causes of teenage pregnancies include a lack of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights, inadequate access to services tailored to young people, family, community and social pressure to marry, sexual violence, forced marriage, which can be both a cause and a consequence and a lack of education or school drop-out.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

700 Underage Girls Gave Birth In 2022 - Zimstat

A High Court judge has called for the enactment of laws that make it mandatory for founders of new churches to be holders of at least certificates in theology to curb abuses perpetrated by bogus religious leaders.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva said that there should be strict requirements for the formation of new churches to eradicate cases of child sexual abuse and early child marriages.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 2023 Legal Year on Monday. The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/regulate-churches-to-curb-child-abuse-judge/">Chronicle</a> quoted Justice Takuva as saying:
<blockquote>
The legislature, in my view, should consider introducing a draft law on religious freedoms and worship to discipline some behaviour and excesses of certain religious denominations.
The new law may provide for the requirements for the registration of a new religious organisation.
It would be of some assistance in my view to have as a requirement for the establishment of a new church, that its leaders must at least hold a certificate in theology.
The question then becomes whether or not it is desirable for the State to regulate the activities of certain religious groups and churches in this country.
In my view, the State should step in to regulate the activities of those religious groups or institutions with obscure purposes for example those which promote child marriages and child sexual abuse.
</blockquote>
Some churches, especially white garment religious sects, have been accused of abetting the sexual exploitation of young women by turning a blind eye to early child marriages.
Early child marriages are prohibited in the country in terms of the law and the New Marriages Act.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Judge Wants Church Founders To Have Theology Certificates

The government of Mozambique has reportedly banned the Johane Marange Apostolic Sect in the Central Province of Manica for allegedly encouraging child marriage and disregarding health issues.
The Johane Marange Apostolic Sect first emerged in Manicaland Province in neighbouring Zimbabwe, where it has been operating for a decade.
Albachir Macassar, the National Director of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, was reported as saying the Ministry has also banned some religious institutions with “obscure purposes” in the southern Province of Inhambane. Said Macassar:
<blockquote>
To discipline some behaviour and excesses of certain religious denominations, a draft Law on Religious Freedom and Worship is under discussion to regulate the exercise of this activity in Mozambique.
</blockquote>
During the interview with Radio Mozambique, Macassar insisted that the government of Mozambique is not interfering with religious worship.
He said the government only seeks to direct and discipline religious organisations.
Macassar said under the draft law, those who want to establish new churches must have a certificate in theology.
He added that if they are leaving an existing congregation, they must have a letter of disaffiliation or recommendation. Said Macassar:
<blockquote>
They must possess a letter of recommendation from the top leader of the previous religious grouping, attesting to their suitability to found another congregation.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-government-bans-doubtful-churches-including-johane-marange-sect-232276/">Club Of Mozambique</a>

Mozambique Govt Bans Johane Marange Sect Over Child Marriages | Report

A 14-year-old girl from the Johane Marange Apostolic Church reportedly died on Tuesday a few days after giving birth at home in Buhera.
Family relative and lawyer Norris Johannes confirmed Delight Masomeke’s death to NewsDay.
He said Delight, of Bvumbura Village in Chivhu, gave birth to a baby girl on 29 December 2022 at Masasa in Buhera but died three days later. Said Johannes:
<blockquote>
The deceased is said to have given birth to a baby girl on December 29, 2022, and remained unwell until she succumbed to (an undisclosed) illness yesterday (Monday).
Her mother Nelia Matarirano is my sister, but the family was not aware that the girl was married.
All we knew was she was at school, only to be shocked by the news of her death yesterday.
Relatives wanted to hastily bury her, but we sought police intervention. We are at the police station filing a report.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that he had not received a report of the case. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005727/girl-14-dies-after-birth-related-complications">NewsDay</a>

Girl (14) Dies After Birth-related Complications

The father of the nine-year-old girl from Tsholotsho who gave birth in November said that he is eager to see his daughter, the one he was accused of impregnating.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday News on Friday, the 29-year-old man said this would bring closure and peace to his soul.
The man said he does not have the money to travel from Tsholotsho to Bulawayo to the safe house where she is being kept.
After his daughter was taken to a safe house, the minor allegedly told authorities that her father told her that a goblin would come and insert something into her privates.
But the father gave a different version of the goblin issue, saying it was a prophetess who made the claims. He said:
<blockquote>
Our child was ill since October 2020 and she was assisted by a prophetess who was known by my wife who prayed for her.
She had started developing breasts at seven years old and the prophetess said my daughter was being used by a goblin that was having sexual intercourse with her.
My wife and her mother, that is my mother-in-law are the ones who went to visit the prophetess and stayed there for two weeks.
</blockquote>
When she returned home, they were informed that the child was not supposed to enter the homestead until the “spell” cast upon her was removed, the man explained.
He said the girl then went to live at her maternal grandparents’ home for a year.
She returned home in November last year and they were informed that she was now menstruating.
The father said the girl’s mother and her maternal grandmother visited yet another healer who said the menstruation could not be stopped.
When her stomach started bulging the parents never panicked as the prophetess had told them that the stomach was “full of dirt” as a result of having sex with the goblin.
The man said the experiences affected her daughter’s performance at school as her grades had dropped. He said:
<blockquote>
We were summoned by the school teacher who said my daughter’s grades had dropped dismally and she also prayed for our daughter.
The menstruation stopped and it was assumed the prayers were now effective yet the child was pregnant.
She, however, complained of stomach pains and was taken to the local clinic and eventually to Tsholotsho District Hospital where it was confirmed that she was over six months pregnant and the matter was referred to the police.
At the police station, we were told we had to be questioned individually about what was happening to the child and I assumed it was all in order.
I was not questioned but I was simply handcuffed and accused of raping my daughter and impregnating her.
I was shocked. One police officer scoffed at me and said ngiluthango oluzidlele amakhomane.
</blockquote>
The father initially appeared at the Tsholotsho Magistrate Courts to answer to rape charges on 1 September 2022 and was remanded to 15 November.
After his appearance in court, the father said he requested DNA tests to be conducted in a bid to gain his freedom. He said:
<blockquote>
They told me it was too expensive and I could not afford it and I told them that was the only way I was going to be exonerated because I did not want to die in prison. I also failed to secure bail during that period.
Around 23 November 2022, I was then informed that I would get a DNA test. I also asked that the four other males who lived with us at home also be tested as they equally had access to my child and that was done.
</blockquote>
He was summoned to court on 29 November and the magistrate told him that the State had done their investigations and proved that he was not guilty of rape and impregnating his child as DNA results had come out negative.
However, this verdict was opposed by a prosecutor who said the case must be transferred to the Bulawayo Regional Courts.
Even though the magistrate queried this, the father was still transferred where he was held at Khami Remand Prison.
On 8 December he appeared in court in Bulawayo and was told to return on 15 December. He said:
<blockquote>
I went to court and was told that my record was nowhere to be found both in Tsholotsho and Bulawayo courts and should return on 19 December. I lost it.
I was very disturbed and had given up on myself, I assumed I had another new case to answer.
Later, on the same day, I was finally discharged. They told me that I was not guilty of the count of rape and that I was a free man.
I blacked out, I could not believe it, after a moment light shone in my eyes and I could see clearly.
I failed to walk; I was still in leg irons. It was a great relief.
</blockquote>
The father was finally released from Khami Prison on Tuesday 20 December.
The man, who is a builder, said he has lost all the jobs he had been contracted to do in the village. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/after-four-months-in-jail-father-of-pregnant-9-yr-old-longs-to-see-daughter/">The Sunday News</a>

Father Of "Pregnant 9-yr-old" Speaks About "Goblin"

A survey on child marriages conducted by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Gender_Commission">Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC)</a> showed that illegal gold miners trigger child marriages.
Gold panners lure young girls with luxuries and money in return for sex, NewsDay reported citing ZGC chairperson Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe. 
Presenting the preliminary findings on the national enquiry on sexual exploitation and abuse of young girls and child marriages, Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe said:
<blockquote>
In Mashonaland East — Mudzi district, wards 13, 14, 15 and 18 are considered hotspots for child marriages and sexual exploitation mainly due to gold panning activities in these areas. The gold panners lure young girls with “nice things” and end up impregnating them.
In Matabeleland South — Umzingwane district, teen pregnancies are usually a result of child marriages. Amakorokoza activities include sexual relationships with girls and young women.
In Midlands province, Gweru rural district areas such as St Faith and Shamrock are popular gold panning areas. Children as young as 13 years are involved in sex work at St Faith shops, where there is gold panning.
Poverty was cited as a major push factor which made the girls vulnerable, resulting in children running away from their homes. Parents in the area are not valuing education.
</blockquote>
Mukahanana-Sangarwe expressed concern over two nine-year-old girls who were impregnated in the country and urged Parliament to monitor the implementation of the Marriage Act.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Illegal Gold Miners Trigger Child Marriages" - Zimbabwe Gender Commission

A 15-year-old girl from Gwanda was allegedly murdered by her 31-year-old husband who accused her of infidelity.
The now-deceased minor, Silindokuhle Sibanda, stayed with her husband Thandazani Ncube at his parents’ homestead in the Singukwe area.
It is alleged that Ncube assaulted the teenager in the middle of the night while they were on their way home after attending a party on 5 November 2022.
After the attack, Ncube carried the girl home in a wheelbarrow and placed her on their bed.
The minor was found dead the following morning.
Ncube was on Monday arraigned before Gwanda magistrate, Polite Ncube Banda, facing a murder charge. He was remanded in custody to 21 November.
Prosecuting, Ngonidzashe Shumba said Ncube attacked Silindokuhle on 5 November around 11 PM and the minor succumbed to head injuries the following day. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
On 5 November at around 11 PM Thandazani Ncube struck Silindokuhle Sibanda on the back of her head using an unknown object following an altercation. Ncube was accusing the girl of infidelity.
Silindokuhle succumbed to head injuries the following day at around 4 AM.
</blockquote>
Earlier, Ncube’s mother, Sibongile Ncube, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/man-31-assaults-15-year-old-wife-to-death/">Chronicle</a> that her son and Silindokuhle had gone to a party at a nearby homestead.
She said in the middle of the night she heard the sound of a wheelbarrow being pushed out of the yard.
Ncube said a few minutes later her son came rushing and informed her that his wife had a headache.
She said she went back to sleep assuming that Silindokuhle would be fine in the morning since it was just a headache.
However, when Ncube went to check on Silindokuhle the following morning, she found the girl lying on her bed covered in blood-soaked blankets. She said:
<blockquote>
My son was also there in the same room and he told me that he was trying to discipline her for cheating on him with another man.
Upon checking Silindokuhle, I discovered that she was already dead.
</blockquote>
Ncube said she immediately alerted neighbours who came to the homestead and community members effected a citizen arrest on Thandazani and escorted him to a police base in Stanmore leading to his arrest.

Man (31) Kills 15-year-old "Wife" Over Infidelity Allegations

Traditional leaders say cases of child marriages are on a decline in some parts of Manicaland Province where they were rampant.
Zimbabwe Chiefs Council’s Manicaland provincial chairman, who is also a Senator, Chief Makumbe said that the fall in cases of child marriages is attributable to a tripartite arrangement between the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Judiciary Services Commission and traditional leadership.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/chiefs-tame-child-marriages-headache/">The Manica Post</a>, Chief Makumbe said there has been a decrease in the number of cases being reported at the community courts. He said:
<blockquote>
Cases of child marriages continue to decrease because of the tripartite arrangement that is there between traditional leaders, magistrates and the police.
We meet regularly as the Crime Consultative Committee and discuss how to end these harmful practices.
It is an old tradition which should be abolished and as traditional leaders, we are doing everything that we can to disseminate information to people in our areas of jurisdiction.
It is criminal and most people know the consequences that come with such practices.
</blockquote>
Chief Makumbe blamed local men who are based in neighbouring countries for the prevalence of child marriages in areas such as Buhera Central, Buhera South, Buhera North, Marange and along the borderline areas of Chipinge, Chimanimani and Mutasa. He said:
<blockquote>
These men often lure young girls to their foreign bases without their parents’ consent.
The young brides are smuggled out of the country through the illegal exit points dotted along the country’s porous border with Mozambique and South Africa. The perpetrators know very well this is criminal.
We are taking every opportunity available to spread the message that marrying off your underage children is criminal. We are living no stone unturned to address this.
At every gathering, we are spreading the message, even at churches, food aid meetings or political meetings.
We make sure that as traditional leaders we get a chance to address the community and raise awareness against these harmful practices.
</blockquote>
On 27 May 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law The Marriages Act which prohibits the marriage of minors under the age of 18.

Chief Makumbe Says Cases Of Children Marriages Have Fallen

The Grade 7 pupil from Katanga, Norton, a small town in Mashonaland West Province, who died while giving birth in Bikita on 04 October, was buried in Mt Darwin on Thursday.
Nokutenda Hwaramba’s body was ferried from Bikita to Mt Darwin on Wednesday and laid to rest on the following day.
Her father, Bernard Hwaramba, told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/norton-teen-laid-to-rest/">H-Metro</a> that they will release the details related to the circumstances which led to his 15-year-old daughter’s death in due course. He said:
<blockquote>
We have laid Nokutenda to rest. We saw it best to lay her to rest early since we spent the night travelling.
Details surrounding her death will be released later since we are still mourning her.
Nokutenda died on Tuesday at an apostolic church shrine while giving birth.
</blockquote>
She had been taken to the shrine by her father for prayers as their church doctrine does not allow them to seek medical help at hospitals.
Some Katanga residents had threatened to beat up Bernard, and his church members, accusing them of causing the death of Nokutenda.
Speaking to H-Metro on Wednesday, Nokutenda’s mother, Loice Muparadziwo, said her daughter was impregnated by one of their neighbours, one Aaron. She said:
<blockquote>
Nokutenda was said to have been impregnated by one Aaron from our neighbourhood.
She got sick and would just fall down as if possessed by evil spirits.
Her father consulted prophets from his congregation and later took her to Bikita for more prayers.
He left Nokutenda in the hands of the intercessors and she died while giving birth at the shrine.
The church doctrine did not allow us to take Nokutenda to a clinic, or hospital, to give birth or for any medical treatment.
I failed to accompany them to Bikita because I was also due to deliver and I had a miscarriage at Norton General Hospital on the day Nokutenda passed away.
</blockquote>
Nokutenda’s death echoes the death of 14-year-old Anna Machaya who died while giving birth in Marange in July 2021 and that of 15-year-old Ferby Munyafi of Chiadzwa Village in Marange who died in January 2022 from excessive bleeding while delivering.
Hatirarami Momberume alias Evans Michael Momberume, a devotee of the Johane Marange apostolic sect has been charged with Anna’s murder.
Anna’s parents, Edmore Machaya (45) and Shy Mabika (36) were jailed for nine months each – wholly suspended – for lying to detectives about her age.
Ferby died on 12 January 2022 and police charged her “husband” 29-year-old Arthur Chitombo with having sexual relations with a minor.

Girl (15) Who Died While Giving Birth At Church Shrine Buried

A 15-year-old girl from Norton died at an apostolic sect shrine on Tuesday 04 October 2022 in Bikita giving birth, her family said.
Nokutenda Hwaramba died together with her baby, at a shrine, where she was being cared for by unidentified prophets H-Metro reported.
Nokutenda’s mother Loice Muparadziwo said she could not be with her daughter in her final moments as she herself was hospitalised in Norton where she suffered a miscarriage. Muparadziwo told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/shock-and-outrage-grade-7-pupil-dies-while-giving-birth-tragedy-leaves-norton-residents-shell-shocked/">H-Metro</a>:
<blockquote>
She got sick and would just fall as if possessed by evil spirits. Her father (Bernard Hwaramba 41) consulted prophets from his congregation and later took her to Bikita for more prayers. He left Nokutenda in the hands of the intercessors and she died while giving birth at the shrine. The church doctrine did not allow us to take Nokutenda to a clinic, or hospital to give birth or for any medical treatment.
</blockquote>
Muparadziwo said Nokutenda was impregnated by a man identified only as Aaron, who was a neighbour in Norton. Aaron reportedly vanished when Nokutenda’s pregnancy came to light.
Nokutenda’s death brings back memories of the death of 14-year-old Anna Machaya who died in July 2021 while giving birth in Marange.
There is also a 15-year-old Ferby Munyafi of Chiadzwa Village in Marange who died in January 2022 from excessive bleeding while delivering under the watch of a faith healer.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Grade 7 Learner From Norton Dies While Giving Birth At Church Shrine

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has launched an essay writing competition for secondary school pupils.
The competition will be running under the topic “Ending Child Marriages.”
Pupils who are likely to participate in the competition are forms one, two, three and five in Matabeleland North and South, Midlands, Mashonaland East, West and Central provinces.
ZLHR said participating pupils were advised to submit their essays to the provincial offices of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education between 23 and 28 September 2022.
The participants should include their name, age, school year, name of school and province, as well as contact details including telephone number and address on the essay.
Below are questions that participants have to answer:
“Child marriages causes and effects. Towards ending child marriages by 2030”
<ul>
<li>What is the meaning of “child marriage”? [10]</li>
<li>State and explain 5 causes of child marriage [20]</li>
<li>State and explain 5 impacts of child marriage [20]</li>
<li>What strategies and laws has the government of Zimbabwe put in place to end child marriages? [20]</li>
<li>State 5 governmental institutions and 5 non-governmental organisations that are working to end child marriages [10]</li>
<li>What recommendations can you make to end child marriages? [20]</li>
</ul>
The national winner will pocket US$150. At the provincial level, the winner will get US$100, the second-placed winner will get US$50, with the third-placed winner getting US$25.
There are also many consolation prizes. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/child-marriage-essay-writing-competition-for-high-school-students/">B-Metro</a>

Child Marriage Essay Writing Competition For Secondary School Pupils

Award-winning musician Selmor Mtukudzi has called for an end to child marriages which are on the increase in Zimbabwe.
Mtukudzi made the call on Monday while speaking during an indaba ahead of celebrations of the Day of the African Child on 16 June.
Mtukudzi, who is a mother, called upon parents to desist from chasing away their young daughters when they fall pregnant. She said:
<blockquote>
As mothers, we should learn to forgive our own daughters and try by all means to take care of the mother and baby.
Protect your own than pushing them into situations that will harm them.
</blockquote>
Mtukudzi also urged young boys to abstain from sexual activities, or use contraceptives, rather than end up deserting young girls they impregnate. She added:
<blockquote>
Why do you do the act (sleeping with young girls) when you know you can’t take the responsibility? Men, you should be responsible for your acts.
</blockquote>
Mtukudzi has worked with different artists, the likes of Yemi Alade, Victoria Kiman, among others, in fighting child marriages.
Mtukudzi, who is a daughter and daughter-in-law to late music legends Oliver Mtukudzi and Zex Manatsa respectively, has also been engaging and offering psychological and social support to victims of child marriages in different communities.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/selmor-on-child-marriages/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Selmor Mtukudzi Speaks Out On Child Marriages

Almost 34 per cent of girls under the age of 18 are married, while 2 per cent of their male counterparts get married before reaching the age of 18, the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has said.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) says the statistics are concerning and show that child marriages and the exploitation of young women are rampant.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, ZGC chairperson, Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe called on the public to work together to end child marriages. She said:
<blockquote>
Child marriage is a violation of human rights and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission is concerned about the surge in the practice as well as the exploitation of young women and girls.
The Zimbabwe Statistics Agency indicates that 33.7 per cent of girls under 18 are married, which means that one in three girls under 18 are married.
Zimstat also cited that, 2 per cent of boys get married before reaching the age of 18 years. We, therefore, need to take urgent action to address the scourge.
Collectively, we have a responsibility to ensure that children, both boys and girls, enjoy their fundamental rights.
… protection of girls from any malpractices and social ills that may be sanitised through religious, traditional customs, belief systems and cultural norms is non-negotiable.
Hence, the commission is duty-bound to fulfil its constitutional mandate to ensure the prevailing of social justice and remedying of violations of rights relating to gender
</blockquote>
Mukahanana-Sangarwe said ZGC conducted a multi-sectoral stakeholders’ inquiry on child marriages, sexual exploitation and abuse of young girls from April 4 to April 8.
The inquiry will be followed by provincial hearings starting with Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South from May 8 to June 10.
A report will then be compiled and delivered to Parliament and other State organs for implementation in terms of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zims-child-marriage-shocker/">The Herald</a></h4>

34% Of Zimbabwean Girls Are Married Before Turning 18

President of the National Chiefs Council, Fortune Charumbira, said child marriages and teenage pregnancies are fuelled by poverty.
Charumbira made the comments while speaking at a regional traditional leaders’ meeting in Harare on Monday.
The meeting, which was attended by chiefs from several African countries, was organised by Plan International and aimed at encouraging chiefs to address and end early child marriages in Africa. Said Charumbira:
<blockquote>
It is important that as stakeholders here gathered, we come up with solutions that address related issues such as female genital mutilation, teenage pregnancies and more importantly poverty.
I know there are some who blame culture and tradition when it comes to child marriages, however, we should not ignore the contribution of poverty to this scourge.
Because of poverty, some parents have been marrying off their children at a tender age for the bride price payment.
Sadly, such unions usually result in the disruption of education and increase the girl’s vulnerability to abuse, discrimination and gender-based violence.
</blockquote>
First Centre of Excellence on Ending Child Marriages for the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa regional programmes manager Lynn Chinene said:
<blockquote>
This project has been targeting traditional leaders as they are the custodians of culture and tradition to stop retrogressive social norms that push for child marriages. Children have to be children and not brides at a young age.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/03/poverty-fuelling-child-marriages-chiefs/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Chiefs Say Poverty Is Fuelling Up Child Marriages

World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and injustice projects that some 3.3 million children are at the risk of child marriage due to the post-pandemic hunger crisis. 
In a statement, World Vision said millions of children will be forced into early marriage because of increased poverty levels, rising hunger and reduced access to education, as a result of COVID-19– that is according to World Vision International’s latest report.  
‘<a href="https://www.wvi.org/publications/coronavirus-health-crisis/covid-19-and-child-marriage">COVID-19 and child marriage</a>’ report investigates how the aftershocks of the global pandemic will force children, who would not otherwise have been married off, into wedlock. As global hunger levels drastically increase, so will child marriage rates, with a hungry child being 60% more likely to be married than a child not experiencing hunger. 
The World Vision report covering Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Ghana and India reveals that the surge in child marriage rates is already clearly taking place. The year 2020 saw the largest increase in child marriage rates in 25 years.  
According to World Vision data, between March to December 2020, child marriages more than doubled in many communities compared to 2019. 
In an assessment of children and families across four countries from July to September 2021, World Vision found a strong correlation in three areas adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: hunger, access to education and parental support. Said World Vision Zimbabwe’s National Director, Assan Golowa: 

<blockquote>
In as much as the global community’s pledge to end child marriage by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, the progress remains decelerated in the face of COVID-19 which has since increased poverty levels and hunger. The pandemic has posed a threat to the education system whilst increasing the risk of girls becoming brides. Vulnerable children, especially, girls will be forced to bear the brunt of yet another crisis as many will be forced out of school and some married of to men their fathers’ age. 
</blockquote>
The already-strained global food system is challenged by the combination of poverty, climate change and conflict, all exacerbated by the pandemic. 
Although the analysis was unable to determine the cause, this strong correlation between hunger and child marriage could be a sign of increased risk for girls.
The report also highlights the impact that school closures has had in increasing child marriage rates and reveals that children who are not currently in school are 3.4 times more likely to be married than their peers currently in school. 
Our analysis also showed an inverse relationship between parental support and the likelihood of child marriage. In particular, as caregiver support and encouragement increase, the likelihood of an adolescent being married significantly decreased
Five million primary and secondary school-age girls potentially missing out on an education as a result of COVID-19. These girls are at high risk of child marriage.  Said Golowa:
<blockquote>
It is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic causes a mental health crisis even for children hence they need support from the parents/guardians or caregivers. 
A case study done in Zimbabwe showed that children who don’t feel supported by their parents or caregivers are more likely to consider child marriage as a palatable alternative, it seems likely that a worsening situation at home might create another push factor for most girls. 
The root causes of child marriage drivers, such as hunger, poverty and access to education, must be urgently addressed. Governments around the world, who are focused on dealing with the fallout from the economic impacts of COVID-19, must also prioritise the protection of the world’s most vulnerable children who are at risk of suffering aftershocks of the pandemic. 
From this review and analysis, World Vision aims to bring attention to the new challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created in the global effort to end child marriage. 
We believe that a world without all forms of violence against children—including child marriage—is possible, but it will take renewed focus, attention and strategy.
</blockquote>
More: Pindula News

COVID-19: World Vision Says 3.3 Million Children At Risk Of Child Marriage

A 13-year-old Johanne Marange Apostolic Church girl was allegedly married off about the same time Anna “Memory” Machaya (14) died while giving birth during the sect’s Passover gathering at Mafararikwa Shrine in July.
Investigations by The Manica Post revealed that Violet Mushati, who was in the company of her grandmother Violet Saini Zhangaroti from Taruvinga Village in Mutiusinazita area of Buhera South, was last seen at the shrine on 18 July.
Violet, who was doing Grade Seven at Barura Primary School, is reported to have “vanished” while they were preparing to leave for their Buhera home with other congregants.
Zhangaroti and her husband, Enock Mushati Mucharwa have expressed ignorance over the young girl’s whereabouts but Violet’s South Africa-based father, Tinashe Mushati Mucharwa and other relatives believe that she was married off during the church gathering.
Relatives claim that from their enquiries, they had gathered that Violet was lured by a “suitor” who was flaunting United States of America dollars while spoiling her with snacks during the church gathering.
Some of the Mucharwas claim that Violet’s “marriage” could have been settled by goodies like sugar and a small monetary token reportedly given to her grandparents.
Her 13-year-old cousin was reportedly married off last year in a similar fashion. The girl is said to have recently lost her baby after complications during delivery.
Despite Violet having “disappeared” a month ago, Zhangaroti only made a missing person report with the police on Tuesday this week.
Police could neither confirm nor deny receiving such a report, with Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda saying:
<blockquote>
Our office is yet to receive such a report. We will continue checking with our counterparts at Mutiusinazita.
</blockquote>
Johanne Marange Apostolic Church coordinator and spokesperson, Nyasha Marange, told The Manica Post that they do not tolerate child marriages and the law should take its course on offenders. He said:
<blockquote>
Violet’s case is still to be brought to our attention. We never gathered last month as is being alleged by the Mucharwas.
We do not condone child marriages and if indeed, she was married off, the law should take its course.
When individuals commit offences, the church will not protect them. We have suffered a lot of bad publicity because of individuals’ misdeeds and I want to reiterate that our High Priest, Noah Taguta always speaks strongly against child marriages.
We are a law-abiding church and we urge the police to thoroughly investigate Violet’s disappearance and bring all perpetrators to book.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/girl-13-disappears-from-marange-shrine/">Manica Post</a></h4>

Girl (13) Disappears From Johanne Marange Shrine

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has commenced investigations into the death of Memory Machaya, a 14-year-old girl who died while giving birth at an apostolic church shrine in Marange, Manicaland Province recently.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said more information will be released soon. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of print and social media reports and inquiries on the alleged death of Memory Machaya (14) at a church shrine in Marange recently.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now conducting investigations into the case. More information will be released soon.
</blockquote>
Memory reportedly died around 9 AM on 15 July and was secretly buried two hours later.
She had been forced out of school while doing Form One in Mhondoro to get married to Evans Momberume.
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/06/family-of-girl-14-who-died-during-childbirth-offers-the-husband-her-sister-9-as-a-replacement/">Family Of Girl (14) Who Died During Childbirth “Offers” The Husband Her Sister (9) As A Replacement</a></h2>
</li>
</ul>
Reports claim that her family, the Machayas, who are polygamous, are planning to offer their nine-year-old daughter to their in-laws as Memory’s replacement (chigadzamapfihwa).
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Police Probe Alleged Death Of Pregnant Girl (14) At Church Shrine

A young award-winning Zimbabwean filmmaker based in South Africa, Tapiwa Gambura has produced a new short film titled “I am not your Bride: A Woman’s Constitution”.
The film, which was made with Topodzi Foundation, explores the issue of child marriages in Zimbabwe and how to tackle them. Tapiwa’s manager, Junior Gambura has this to say:
<blockquote>This story follows Ruvimbo Topodzi’s journey to self-empowerment as she learnt to find her voice against her father, her abusive first husband and eventually the Zimbabwean Constitution.
Ruvimbo refused to be another statistic for the cases of Child Marriages in Zimbabwe, and although she was married at 15, she eventually took a stand at the age of 16 to leave her marriage and challenge the legal age of consent in Zimbabwe from 16 to 18.
Now Ruvimbo, alongside her second husband is the founder of the Topodzi Foundation Trust that aims to educate child brides, as well as provide them and young women with means of economic independence so that they can fend for themselves amidst the patriarchal society.</blockquote>
Watch the film below:
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4CzuAwQM7W8?feature=oembed" title="Not Your Bride: A Woman's Constitution" width="640"></iframe></div>

WATCH: Young Zim Filmmaker Releases Short Film On Tackling Child Marriages

According to a report by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) 500 000 teenagers fall pregnant every year. Of these 95 000 are a result of child marriages. This translate to approximately 19 percent of teenage pregnancies. The report also noted that 48 percent of adolescents confirmed that the pregnancies were unplanned.
Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>Almost a fifth — 19 percent of female adolescents between 15-19 years were pregnant as a result of early marriage.
…Another concern on children is the proportion of adolescent girls aged between 15 and 17 years who got pregnant because of early marriage, which stands at 19 percent, showing the prevalence of child marriages in the country.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/child-pregnancies-rampant-report/">Herald</a>

Child marriages are still a major problem in Zimbabwe: Report

Legislators yesterday called on Government to outlaw polygamy to put an end to early child marriages. MDC-T chief whip in the National Assembly, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Innocent_Gonese">Innocent Gonese</a>, raised a point of motion during debate on Parliament to adopt and domesticate the Sadc Model Law on eradicating child marriages and protecting those already in marriage.
Seconder of the motion, Paurina Mpariwa (MDC-T Mufakose) advocated for a ban of polygamy and said that the country’s marriage laws should be amended to remove sections that allow men to marry two wives. Uzumba MP, Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Zanu PF) said poverty was the main cause of child marriages, adding development of rural areas to end poverty was one way to eradicate it.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2016/11/30/outlaw-polygamy/">NewsDay</a>

Legislators call for polygamy to be made illegal to end child marriages

Vice President <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> has revealed that government is working on introducing a single Marriages Act in an effort to curb the rampant cases of child marriages which have seen an estimated 31 percent of girls in the country getting married before their 18th birthday.
Speaking at the presentation of the Parliamentarians girls-pledge to civic society recently, VP Mnangagwa said,
<blockquote>Government welcomes the Constitutional Court landmark ruling of January 20, 2016 to ban child marriages. The ruling raised the minimum age at which both men and women can marry to 18.Suffice to say that, my ministry has also identified the need to align the marriages laws to the constitution. Government will soon craft single a marriage laws regime that will seek to redress all areas that are currently discriminatory towards the rights of women. All that remains is to embark on consultative meetings so that the community is involved, as the issues pertaining to the age of consent are very contentious.</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also warned perpetrators of crimes such as forced virginity testing, female genital mutilation, pledging of women and girls for purposes of avenging spirits and forced marriages that they shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment or a level 14 fine, or both under the Domestic Violence Act.
More: <a href="https://openparly.co.zw/2016/10/26/govt-moots-single-marriages-act/">Open Parly</a>

Government considers introducing Single Marriages Act to curb child marriages

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