Alarm Over Rising Pregnancies Among Minors
A children’s rights advocacy group raises alarms about the increasing number of child pregnancies and urges families to support affected girls in continuing their education.
Advocates link child pregnancies to parental migration, which disrupts family structures and exposes children to risky sexual behaviors and abuse.
A recent government survey by the Health and Child Care Ministry, Unicef, and Unesco shows that the country’s economic crisis sharply increases child and teenage pregnancies.
In an interview, Phumulani Mpofu, coordinator for the Matabeleland Council for the Welfare of the Child, voices growing concern about minor-to-minor pregnancies.
“While this situation remains morally and socially unacceptable, we must focus on addressing the problem rather than assigning blame. Ideally, individuals should reach emotional and financial maturity before becoming parents. However, we cannot blame minors who the law treats as children, which requires us to report these cases to the police,” he explained.
Mpofu adds that courts decide whether to prosecute or consider pretrial options, taking the minors’ status into account.
“These cases often divert to pretrial programs where minors receive assistance. While I avoid moral judgments, this behavior remains unacceptable.
Children’s Rights Group Urges Action
“Many young people encounter this issue due to inadequate sexual and reproductive health education, a common challenge in many communities. Parents cannot make decisions that break the law, which prohibits marriage under 18. Instead, they should support the girl through her pregnancy, provide postnatal care, and help her return to school. Families must collaborate to support these children without pressuring them into marriage.”
Dalubuhle Sibanda, manager of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s southern region, explains that the Department of Social Development or Social Welfare typically handles cases involving minors under the Children’s Protection Act, unless the situation involves sexual assault or rape by the minor.
“As a gender oversight institution, we participate in the GBV referral pathway. The Department of Social Development best manages issues concerning minors unless they involve sexual assault or rape. If the situation involves consensual sex, it becomes more complicated, but Social Development will provide support,” he stated.
Alarm Over Rising Pregnancies Among Minors
-Southern Eye
