Bernard Mutambudzi
Zimbabwe today joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Family’s Day with the Government reiterating its unwavering commitment to upholding the importance of the family unit.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni today said Government was aware of challenges that are affecting many families and assured that Government was doing all it could to alleviate the situation.
The Minister called upon the church and traditional leaders to continue educating the society at large on the significance of the family as fundamental social unity created by God.
This year's International commemorations are running under the theme, " Families and Climate Action" and Zimbabwe adopted the same International theme for her annual commemoration.
The Minister said the International Day of Families came into effect through UN Resolution 47/237 of September 1993, which affirms that the family unit is a natural and fundamental entity in society as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
"The family is the linchpin of the Vision 2030 because individuals are moulded to have capacity to contribute efficiently and effectively to socio-economic development," she said.
She said families constitute the basis of communities, thus, should be accorded comprehensive protection and assistance to effectively discharge their responsibilities within the society.
She said commemorations are coming at a time the country was raising awareness on the adverse effects of climate change.
She said her ministry was mandated to coordinate and implement programmes that promoted women empowerment, gender equality and community development.
The Minister applauded people of Zimbabwe for showing deep sense of care and compassion for each other in the spirit of "Ubuntu" during the trying times of Cyclone Idai.
"We have demonstrated the importance of being a family and importance of oneness," she said.
She said the disaster made us realise that we are one family no matter differences in religion, political affiliation and other issues.
