In Zimbabwe, like in many other countries, girls face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to thrive and reach their full potential. From gender-based violence to lack of access to education and healthcare, the obstacles that girls in Zimbabwe face are vast and complex.
However, one key factor that can help address these challenges is often overlooked: donors and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) need to direct funding towards peace creation.
According to the United Nations, Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with 32% of girls being married before the age of 18. This not only robs girls of their childhood but also exposes them to a myriad of health risks, including early pregnancy and childbirth complications. In addition, gender-based violence is rampant in Zimbabwe, with 1 in 3 women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
It’s time for CSOs, governments, and international donors to step up efforts to champion peace efforts, especially in Zimbabwe. A lot of funding is currently directed towards HIV treatment interventions, efforts that may go to waste if peace is not made. Overall, peace in society looks like a gender-balanced society, and it smells of equality, which is evident in the programming of each entity.
These statistics paint a grim picture of the reality that girls in Zimbabwe face daily. However, there is hope. In other societies where funding has been directed towards peace creation, significant progress has been made in improving the safety and well-being of girls. For example, in Rwanda, after the devastating genocide in 1994, the government and various organizations prioritized peace-building efforts, which have led to a significant decrease in gender-based violence and an increase in girls’ access to education and healthcare.
Donors and CSOs can help create a safe and healthy environment for girls to thrive by investing in peace-creation initiatives in Zimbabwe. This includes supporting programs that promote gender equality, conflict resolution, and community dialogue. By addressing the root causes of violence and conflict, we can create a society where girls can live free from fear and discrimination.
Furthermore, fostering peace in Zimbabwe benefits girls and positively impacts the population’s overall health. Studies have shown that countries with higher levels of peace and stability have better health outcomes, including lower maternal mortality rates and higher life expectancy.
In conclusion, the need for donors and CSOs to direct funding towards peace creation in Zimbabwe is urgent and essential. By investing in peace-building efforts, we can create a safe and healthy environment for girls to thrive, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of the population. It is time to prioritize peace to ensure a brighter future for girls in Zimbabwe.