My Age Zimbabwe, together with stakeholders, joined hands in support of the campaign against child abuse, rape, child marriages, and the denial of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) hosted by the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The high-level event, themed “Combating Child Abuse, Rape, Marriage and Promotion of SRHR Services!”, brought together government officials, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, educators, parents, youth, faith representatives, business leaders, and development partners for a united stand to protect Zimbabwe’s children and young people.
Key presentations were delivered by the Ministries of Health and Child Care, Primary and Secondary Education, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, focusing on prevention, reporting mechanisms, and survivor support. Testimonies from survivors of abuse and confessions from prison inmates gave a deeply personal and emotional dimension to the campaign, underlining the devastating impact of abuse on families and communities.
The highlight of the day was the keynote address by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who launched the campaign in the presence of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and several Parliamentary Portfolio and Thematic Committee chairpersons. The Minister described child abuse, rape, and early marriages as a national crisis, stressing the need for collective action across families, schools, courts, health institutions, and communities. He emphasized the government’s commitment, with the support of the President and First Lady, to move from policy to action, ensuring justice, protection, healing, and the elimination of stigma for survivors.
Entertainment, resource exhibitions, and information booths provided spaces for engagement, counselling, and learning.
The campaign marks a significant step in building a safer Zimbabwe for children and young people. By uniting government, communities, and development partners, the initiative sends a clear message: No to silence, no to abuse, together we can create a secure and empowering future for the next generation.
