BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
There is need for collective efforts in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable members of our communities, Zimbabwe Association of Church-Related Hospitals (ZACH), Programme Manager, Dr Chidzewere Nzou has said.
Dr Nzou revealed this during the Annual National Media Conference to publicise policy issues emerging from SASA (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) communities.
According to The HIV/AIDS Network; SASA is a methodology and approach designed by the Uganda-based organisation, Raising Voices, which works with women and children to explore the gender aspects of power and to address the link between violence against women (VAW) and HIV/AIDS.
“The SASA model’s success is rooted in its holistic approach to community engagement.
“By involving community leaders, activists, and institutions, we have created a movement against violent behaviour.
“Traditional leaders, including Chiefs and their spouses, have become vocal advocates for the SASA model, further amplifying our message and impact.
“This collective activism is crucial in creating environments that do not tolerate abuse and in fostering a culture of respect and equality,” said Dr Nzou.
He also revealed that the SASA initiative has shown “that change is possible when we work together, and we are confident that with your continued support, we can achieve even greater milestones.”
Dr Nzou further revealed that while the recent amendment of the Criminal Law Code which has now set the age of consent at 18 is a welcome move, more still needs to be done to protect adolescent girls and young women.
“We must continue to educate our communities about the benefits of these laws and work together to protect all members, especially the girl child.
“Let us raise our voices, break the silence, and ensure a safer future for everyone.
“Despite these legal advancements, there is a pressing need to educate minors and their guardians about the benefits of this law.
“Many adolescent girls continue to engage in sexual activities before turning 18, and some cultural beliefs still perpetuate the notion that sexually active girls must marry their perpetrators.
“To address this, it is crucial to raise awareness and aligning national laws with customary practices, ensuring comprehensive protection for all community members, in particular the girl child,” said Dr Nzou.
He also revealed that gender based violence remains a vice which needs collective efforts to eliminate.
Speaking at the same conference; Maxwell Hombiro said it was necessary to prioritise adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) for the SASA model because of their high vulnerability.
“AGYW are at a higher risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence due to biological, social, and economic factors.
”They often face intersecting challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which can exacerbate their vulnerability.
”Targeted programs can help prevent HIV and GBV by providing education, resources, and support, empowering AGYW to make informed decisions about their health and safety.
”Investing in the health and well-being of AGYW can have a long-term positive impact on communities, as healthier and empowered young women contribute to the social and economic development of their societies.
”By focusing on AGYW, we can address the root causes of their vulnerability and create a safer, healthier future for them and their communities,” said Hombiro.
Sokuluhle Dube also revealed that pregnant minors and adolescent mothers continue to face significant challenges, despite the existence of the Education Amendment Act of 2020, which gives a second chance to pregnant girls and adolescent mothers to continue their education.
“Communities believe the government should provide material support in such instances.
“Families may find it challenging to provide care for an additional child due to economic hardships, which may result in the adolescent mothers dropping out of school to fend for their child.
“Zimbabwe is a signatory to international and regional conventions like the UNCRC and ACRWC.
“These commitments validate the community’s perspective that the government should play a more active role in supporting pregnant girls and adolescent mothers, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their education and secure a better future,” said Dube.
She also revealed that there was need for several policy recommendations in order to address some of the challenges which are currently being faced.
And amongst those issues which need to be addressed is review of age restrictions.
“Review of laws and policies that restrict access to Sexual Reproductive Health services (SRH) based on age.
“Ensure that adolescents can access these services without parental consent where appropriate
”Support Adolescent Mother: introduce social grants and programs specifically designed to support the well-being of adolescent mothers and their children.
”Integrate SGBV and HIV/AIDS Programs: enhance the collaboration between Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and HIV/AIDS programs to provide holistic support to survivors.
“This should include joint training for healthcare providers and community workers on the intersection of SGBV and HIV/AIDS.
”Justice Sector Leadership in Awareness: key players in the justice services sector should lead efforts to raise awareness and educate communities about the consequences and effects of child sexual exploitation.
“They should also advise against promoting, aiding, or allowing child marriages,” added Dube.
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