Godwin Gumbo

Plumtree, Mat South – In a spectacular show of solidarity towards the empowerment of girls from marginal communities, various stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and young girls converged at Alan Redfern Primary School to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, Mangwe District on the 11th of October 2024.

The International Day of the Girl Child has become a significant day for the promotion of the girl child and young women, complementing the already existing initiatives to uphold girls’ rights. This year’s celebrations were under the theme “Girls Vision for the Future,” and this was reaffirmed by various speakers during the ceremony.

A speech read by a vibrant young student from Plumtree High School, Sharmaine Mukushe, highlighted the need for society to provide young girls with the requisite support to achieve their dreams. “In 2024, as girls, we continue to face challenges with education, equal rights, or protection from violence, but we also continue to rise thanks to this year’s theme,” said Mukushe.

She further added a solidarity message to all girls and the global sisterhood that supports and empowers one another, “I stand here to encourage my fellow sisters to embrace the wonderful day of recognition; this year I pledge my solidarity with girls who dream to excel in high-profile careers.”

The guest of honor at this event was the Junior Member of Parliament, Honorable Buhlebuzile Ncube from Phakamani High School, who gave the keynote address. Honorable Ncube’s speech touched on the immense potential, talents, and contribution of girls around the world in both urban and rural areas.

“The International Day of the Girl Child is a call to action as millions of girls around the world still face challenges like access to healthcare, education, or discrimination that hinder their progress; however, amid all this, girls continue to show courage and determination,” said Honorable Ncube.

A collective adoption of what girls’ empowerment entails was agreed upon as giving girls access to quality education, ensuring they are treated equally to boys, and allowing them to participate in decision-making that affects their own lives. Other representatives from government departments, including the Department of Social Development, took time to interact with the girls in attendance, telling them how the department offers help to disadvantaged children in society—especially girls.

Another representative from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development and Vocational Training gave a presentation to encourage girls to take vocational skills training to enhance their independence in society.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit was also present and explained its tailored services to victims of gender-based violence and how they help the victims, from lodging complaints all the way to court cases in a victim-safety-centered system.

The International Day of the Girl Child Mangwe edition celebrations were organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises, which gifted the Junior Member of Parliament and representatives of participating schools with sanitary pads supported by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training as well as Zimbabwe Health Interventions.