A 16-year-old girl defied the odds when she made a desperate phone call to escape an arranged marriage in rural Mutasa District, . Her parents had insisted she marry against her will, but the girl’s plea reached the ears of a vigilant Community Child Protection Worker (CCW).
“When we heard her story, we acted immediately,” said Headman Cosmas Sakupwanya, who leads child protection efforts in the area. “We drove to Honde Valley to rescue her, ensuring she was safe and had a future to look forward to.”
The rescue was part of a broader program supported by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Development, with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The initiative empowers caregivers to advocate for specialized services, including those addressing disabilities and other vulnerabilities.
Through the program, the girl was connected to resources that ensured her safety and allowed her to return to school with the help of local donors. “Early response is critical,” said Sakupwanya. “We need to act immediately when there’s a distress call.”
Her story illustrates the impact of coordinated grassroots child protection systems, bolstered by international support, to create lasting change. The program is a beacon of hope, ensuring no child is left behind, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Lack of Birth Certificates Stalls Justice for Vulnerable Girls in Mutasa District
In Mutasa District, a glaring lack of birth certificates is stalling justice for child marriage victims, traditional leaders have said.
“We come across cases of early child marriages, but proving the girl’s age remains a challenge,” said Headman Cosmas Sakupwanya. “Without birth certificates, cases stall at the police. It’s heartbreaking when we can’t protect children because they lack identification.”
One such case involved a 16-year-old girl who defied her parents’ insistence on an arranged marriage. She made a desperate call for help to a Community Childcare Worker (CCW), trained under a Government of Zimbabwe program supported by UNICEF and funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
“When we heard her story, we acted immediately,” said Sakupwanya. “We drove to Honde Valley to rescue her, ensuring her safety and future.”
The girl was connected to services provided under the program, which equips grassroots leaders to prevent child abuse and respond swiftly to emergencies. Through local donors, she returned to school, finding a path to a better life.
Early marriages and other forms of abuse are widespread in the area. “We’ve established child protection committees to raise awareness about the legal marriage age,” Sakupwanya said. “At every wedding, village heads now check the bride’s age. Yet some cases slip through, with girls eloping to Mozambique, beyond our reach.”
To combat these challenges, 34 headmen under Chief Mutasa have been trained in a “train-the-trainer” model, cascading knowledge to 300 village heads. “We help children obtain birth certificates, enroll in school, and access social services,” said CCW Shandukirai Fombe.
Abandoned children, drug abuse, and neglect are other pressing issues. CCWs, often working without resources, are the first point of contact, referring cases to authorities for intervention.
The program highlights the critical role of grassroots leaders in child protection, building systems to prevent and respond to abuse. With continued support from UNICEF and SIDA, Mutasa District is becoming a beacon of hope, proving that no child should be left behind.
“Children are special,” said Sakupwanya. “We must act immediately when they call for help.”
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Child Protection Efforts in Mutasa Hindered by Lack of Birth Certificates
Efforts to combat child marriage and abuse in Zimbabwe’s Mutasa District face significant hurdles due to the absence of birth certificates, traditional leaders say.
“We’ve encountered cases where girls are forced into early marriages, but proving their age is difficult without birth certificates,” said Headman Cosmas Sakupwanya. “This often stalls cases at the police, leaving victims unprotected.”
A recent case underscored the challenge when a 16-year-old girl defied her parents’ plans for her to marry. Her desperate call to a Community Childcare Worker (CCW) trained under a Government of Zimbabwe program supported by UNICEF and funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) led to a swift rescue in Honde Valley.
“We ensured she was safe and connected her to resources for a better future,” said Sakupwanya. With support from local donors, the girl returned to school, avoiding the dire consequences of early marriage.
The lack of documentation isn’t the only challenge. Mutasa faces widespread issues, including child neglect, early marriages, and drug abuse. CCWs, who are often the first responders, have been instrumental in tackling these problems.
“We assist children in obtaining birth certificates, enrolling in school, and accessing social services,” said CCW Shandukirai Fombe. Despite limited resources, they’ve referred numerous cases to social welfare and the police, ensuring timely intervention.
A “train-the-trainer” model has empowered 34 headmen under Chief Mutasa, who have passed their knowledge on to 300 village heads. These leaders form the backbone of a grassroots child protection system designed to prevent and respond to abuse.
The program has seen successes, including rescuing children from early marriages and ensuring they receive the help they need. However, some challenges remain, such as children eloping to Mozambique, where intervention becomes nearly impossible.
“The work isn’t easy,” said Sakupwanya. “But with UNICEF and SIDA’s support, we’re making progress. These systems are crucial to ensuring no child is left behind.”
By strengthening local leadership and focusing on prevention, Mutasa District is building a brighter, safer future for its children.