Teenage girls in Chipinge district are facing serious challenges as poverty forces some into early sexual activity and transactional sex to support their families.
Sixteen-year-old Chipo from Checheche Growth Point is caring for a nine-month-old baby, is five months pregnant and looks after her ill mother.
With no source of income, she said survival became difficult.
“I did not know how to cope. I was trying to find a way to take care of my baby and my mother,” she said.
Chipo said she later joined a support programme run by the Organisation of African First Ladies on Development (OAFLAD).
“They gave me support and encouraged me. It helped me to see that I could still have hope,” she said.
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Another beneficiary, Privilege (15) from Mwanyisa Village, has a one-year-old child and supports two younger siblings.
“I needed to make sure my siblings had food and could go to school,” she said. “I felt I had no other option at the time.”
The cases were shared during a media tour organised by the National Aids Council (NAC), which says poverty remains a major factor affecting young girls in the district.
According to NewsDay, Chipinge is among areas recording high numbers of teenage pregnancies linked to economic hardship.
NAC youth officer Yolanda Gwizo said: “Poverty in this area has contributed to early sexual relationships and teenage pregnancies. We are working with partners to address this.”
Traditional leader Headman Zamuchiya said communities need support to protect young people.
“When families struggle, children become more vulnerable. We must work together to guide and assist them,” he said.
OAFLAD and NAC say ongoing programmes focusing on health education and economic support are helping restore dignity and hope among vulnerable girls in Chipinge.
