Staff Reporter
In a milestone achievement for education and gender equality, the Zimbabwean government, in collaboration with developmental partners like the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), has empowered 18,000 girls and 92 boys from marginalized communities this year.
The announcement was made during the CAMFED Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, where stakeholders reflected on the year’s progress in promoting equal access to education.
Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike emphasized the importance of collective action.
“We are proud of the efforts by our partners. Working together will help us achieve our goals faster. However, early child marriages are a hindrance to this progress. We are committed to eradicating this phenomenon by empowering the girl child and ensuring equal opportunities,” he said.
CAMFED board chairperson, Professor Tsitsi Chataika highlighted the organization’s achievements, stating, “This year alone, we have managed to empower 18,000 girls and 92 boys as part of our commitment to complement government efforts in ensuring improved access to education.”
The government has lauded the collaborative efforts but expressed concerns about persistent challenges such as child marriages, particularly in mining towns. These marriages, often driven by poverty, remain a significant barrier to achieving universal education coverage, a key national goal under Vision 2030.
Through initiatives that combine education, economic empowerment, and social protection, the partnership aims to uplift young girls and women, enabling them to break free from cycles of poverty and exploitation. This effort is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the broader socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
As the year concludes, the success of this collaboration demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing systemic inequalities. The empowerment of 18,000 girls represents a significant step toward building a future where every child, regardless of their background, can access quality education and opportunities.
