Our struggle on age of consent was hijacked says Linda Masarira
Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Masarira says her struggle to change the age of consent to sex from 16 to 18 years was hijacked by people with court connections.
Masarira’s sentiments came following the announcement by Tendai Biti Law firm that it had won the court case on the age of consent to sex at the Constitutional Court.
Although Tendai Biti Law was representing Diana Eunice Kawenda on the matter, Masarira also has a similar case before the same court.
Commenting on the issue on Twitter, Masarira said people hijacked an ongoing struggle so that they could get the glory.
‘’Our effort in the matter should also be recognised. It is easier for others to come and hijack an ongoing struggle, and use their court connections to get the glory.
‘’We stand firm in the advocacy we did to ensure that the legal age to consent to sex is 18.
‘’It is recorded in legal records of this nation that we have also advocated for the legal age to consent to sex to 18 years.
‘’We celebrate the milestone achievement to protect girls’ rights regardless of who achieved it because it benefits all Zimbabweans,’’ she said.
Linda Masarira made the application together with Precious Musarurwa and Munyaradzi Midzi to the Constitutional Court in September of 2021 seeking the age of consent to sex moved from 16 years to 18 years.
The trio cited Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Women Affairs, Attorney General, Johanne Marange Apostolic Church, and High Priest Noah Taguta.
Masarira’s application was inspired by the issue of a 14-year-old girl who died while giving birth at an apostolic shrine in Bocha. The girl was a victim of child marriage, which is a common issue among the apostolic sect.
Our struggle on age of consent was hijacked says Linda Masarira
