The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
CALLS for ending harmful practices such as child marriages and violence against children have been made, as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child, which is celebrated on June 16 every year.
This year’s theme is “Eliminating harmful practices affecting children: Progress on policy and practice since 2013.”
In a press statement, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) has called for the elimination of child marriages and ending violence against children.
“In Zimbabwe, child marriage is a key issue, with one in three women aged 20 to 49 being married before reaching the age of 18. Unicef is calling for an end to these harmful practices and for a new perception of the role of women in society with an aim to encourage and empower girls to develop their full potential,” it said.
Commemorations will culminate in signing of a pledge to rally for a change of perception on the role of women in society and against child marriages.
