By Ashywyne Vambe
Five child focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) under the banner of the Joining Forces Zimbabwe have condemned the continued sexual abuse of young girls in the country.
In a statement, the Alliance said the hostile violation of girl’s rights undermines the pursuit for equality and quality life of young girls.
“Joining Forces Zimbabwe, an alliance of five child-focused agencies strongly condemns the continued, horrendous sexual abuse of young girls. This is a social ill that undermines the quest for equity and quality of life for young girls. The recent, shocking media reports on pre-teen girls from Tsholotsho and Bindura getting pregnant due to abuse shows that the violation of girls’ rights continues unabated.
“We applaud the reporting of such cases in order for justice to be served because reporting sexual abuse of girls is critical in bringing perpetrators to account. However, it is clear that young girls continue to experience sexual abuse within their homes and communities, which are meant to be safe spaces. Collectively, more still needs to be done to strengthen prevention of sexual abuse and timeous response to the same,” said the NGOs
The Alliance called on stakeholders to among other issues invest in more awareness on the need to report abuse early.
“We are calling on all relevant actors as mandated by the National Case Management System to invest more in awareness by communities (including children) on the need to report abuse early to break the cycle and receive help. In the case of sexual abuse survivors are able to access different essential services in line with the country’s laws. Such services include psychosocial support, termination of pregnancy and other medical services.
“To timeously and comprehensively respond to all cases of child sexual abuse. This will strengthen the confidence of communities in the protection system and encourage more reporting of such criminal acts. While we advocate for more focus to be placed on preventing abuse rather than punishing, the extent of harm children, in particular young girls are being subjected to calls for more severe penalties for sex offenders. Focus on men and boys to exercise positive masculinities that uphold and protect the right of to live free from all forms of violence.” said the Alliance
The Alliance include Save the Children, Plan International, World Vision and SOS Children’s Villages.
