BULAWAYO,13 Oct (Southern Eye-Live) -CARE Zimbabwe has joined calls to end child marriage and invest in girls' rights, saying keeping girls in school remains one of the strongest protections against early marriage.
The organisation made the remarks as Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, held under the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights."
CARE Zimbabwe said the day is a global reminder that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and lead.
With an estimated 650 million women and girls alive today having been married as children, the organisation said the fight against child marriage remains urgent.
In a statement, CARE Zimbabwe said investing in a girl's education, health, skills and voice is key to protecting her future.
"At CARE Zimbabwe, we know that keeping a girl in school is one of the strongest protections against child marriage," the organisation said.
The organisation said it is implementing several programmes aimed at keeping girls in school and building their leadership and decision-making skills.
The project, which reaches 3 000 learners including 1 800 girls through school project management clubs, equips girls with life, leadership and project management skills.
- Film has potential of changing economy
- Edutainment mix: Indigenous knowledge in the aesthetics of art
- Shot in the arm for Buhera women.
- Science journalists urged to fight ‘infodemic’
Keep Reading
"We are strengthening goal-setting, problem-solving and decision-making skills while building the confidence and aspirations needed to reduce vulnerability to child marriage," CARE Zimbabwe said.
The organisation also highlighted the link between menstrual health and school dropouts.
Citing UNESCO estimates that one in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during her period, losing up to 20 percent of the school year, CARE said period poverty contributes to declining pass rates and dropouts.
Through its Period Power Initiative with Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited, CARE supported girls in Tsholotsho and Mutare Rural districts to manage menstruation with dignity and remain in class.
"By safeguarding attendance and pass rates, we help girls stay in school and protect them from early marriage risks," the organisation said.
Through the START4Girls project, implemented with CARE Canada and the Coady Institute across 103 secondary schools in Buhera and Mutare, the organisation has been addressing dropouts linked to child marriage and early pregnancy.
The project held 30 leadership camps reaching 2 875 girls, providing mentorship, health education and support networks.
CARE Zimbabwe said its commitment to investing in girls remains firm beyond the commemorations.
"When girls are empowered with the right tools, knowledge and opportunities, they don't just transform their own lives, they transform the world," the organisation said.
