MILLICENT HUNGWE
There are 667 cases of child sexual abuse reported in the first half of 2025, a statistic that has sparked urgent calls for intervention across national sectors by the authorities.
The figures were revealed during the Anti-child abuse, rape, early marriages and promotion of sexual and reproductive health services campaign held on 5 August at Masvingo Polytechnic College by the parliament of Zimbabwe.
The campaign, held under the theme ‘Combating child abuse, rape, early marriages, and promoting SRHR services’, brought together a wide cross-section of society.
In attendance were the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tsitsi Gezi, various Parliamentary Portfolio and Thematic Committee Chairpersons, as well as learners, youths, parents, guardians, religious, political and traditional leaders, the business community, and development partners.
Also present were representatives from government ministries, institutions of higher learning, and even prison inmates.
Medical Doctor and Medical Epidemiologist with the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr. Tapera Saravoye, shared that 632 girls and 35 boys based on cases reported up to the second quarter of the year were sexually abused.
He expressed concern that only 36% of the victims reported the abuse within the crucial 72-hour window period needed for effective medical and psychological intervention.
“We advise victims to present themselves to facilities within 72 hours. Unfortunately, the majority report too late,” said Dr. Saravoye.
“Our interventions now focus on bridging these gaps by offering expert care, timely assessment, and treatment for survivors.”
He added that the Ministry uses both radio and in-person outreach to raise awareness, while healthcare workers are continuously trained to identify physical and psychological signs of abuse and to make proper referrals.
Provincial Education Director, Shylatte Mhike reminded the delegates that “everyone here is a potential abuser and that’s why everyone must take responsibility in helping children speak up.”
She also outlined the Ministry of Education’s efforts, which include girls’ camps, orientation programs, sexual reproductive health education, personal hygiene lessons, bullying prevention, drug abuse awareness, and gender-based violence campaigns all aimed at protecting the well-being of learners.
The campaign served as both a warning and a rallying call for unity in safeguarding children’s rights.
It reminded stakeholders that child protection is not just a government responsibility but a community-wide duty.
