By Ashywyne Vambe
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni has called on Zimbabwean to rise and stop abuse against children.
Minister Nyoni’s call comes in the wake of two shocking incidences in Tsholotsho and Bindura where two minors fell pregnant in suspected rape cases.
Speaking to journalists at launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Harare, Tuesday, Minister Nyoni expressed concern over the abuse of minors.
“These sad events are happening in homes and communities, with parents and guardians also being found at the centre of concealing some of the despicable incidences of abuse, especially of minors, leading to the loss of lives. What society have we become? Who shall be there to protect the family institution?
“The recent reported cases of rape of the 9 year old girl from Tsholotsho and an 8 year old from Bindura. These are just some of the dreadful cases of human rights abuse. I call up all Zimbabweans to rise and stop this cancer that’s destroying the girl child,” said Nyoni
She called on Zimbabweans to partake in the fight against Gender Based Violence saying it should not limit to the annual awareness.
“Our 16 days of Activism against gender bases violence are running under the theme All Lives Matter-End Gender Based Violence now. I call upon everyone to take part in this activism. We should not limit it to 16 days but every day of our lives.”
Minister Nyoni said the 16 days of activism will be commemorated with objectives of amplifying voices against different forms of Gender based violence, raise awareness on gender based violence as a human right issue, strengthen local worm around gender based violence and demonstrate solidarity with survivors of gender based violence.
The main event of the National Commemorations this year will be held in Mashonaland East Province, Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District at Maramba Primary School on the 25th of November.
