Bulawayo Metropolitan legislator Jasmine Toffa has urged the government to consider establishing a stand-alone ministry for children run by a female minister.
Currently, the children and health issues are bundled up within the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare under the leadership of the Retired General and Vice President of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwenga.
The remarks from the lawmaker come after a 15-year-old minor died whilst giving birth at a shrine in Bikita Masvingo earlier this month.
Nokutenda Hwaramba’s tragedy was preceded by that of another 15-year-old girl Anna Machaya who lost her life during childbirth at a shrine in Marange in August last year.
According to a statement issued by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in commemoration of International Youth Day, “early and teenage pregnancy have major health consequences for adolescent mothers and their babies and contribute to about 30 percent of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe.”
In an exclusive interview with Open Parly ZW, Hon Toffa insisted a stand-alone ministry for children will deal with the social ills children face in the country.
“Children issues such as education and welfare should not be matters that are toyed with.
“Due consideration such as having a stand-alone Children’s Ministry that caters to Children’s needs should be given.
“As we speak Children’s issues are scattered across all ministries and are spoken to as and when brought to light.
“Majority of issues and cases suffered by poverty-stricken children which are the majority never see the light of day due to lack of knowledge and appreciation of their rights as well as lack of resources.
“Take a look at the ministry of Social welfare for instance how many children never mind the girl child actually benefit from the under-funded ministry,” Toffa said.
Current Laws Insufficient And Not Enforced.
Additionally, Toffa points out that the current laws are not fully implemented and are insufficient to deal with perpetrators as well as to protect the girl child from abuse.
“…the issue of the girl child in our country Zimbabwe is placed on paper as a high priority and major concern when in actual reality none of what is inscribed in the constitution and regional and international resolutions as well as what is domesticated is actually followed through and implemented.
“We are yet to see as a country the full wrath of the law being executed in a manner that deters perpetrators from the continued practice of taking advantage of young girls.
“Personally, I do not think we have enough laws to protect the girl child.
“We need laws that are more child-sensitive, that take into cognizance that the girl child or any child is the bedrock and foundation of the economy and country as a whole,” Toffa added.
