Child rights advocacy organisation Shamwari YeMwanasikana has expressed grave concern over reports that Bubi district in Matabeleland North province recorded 518 child pregnancy cases within the past year, describing the figures as evidence of a deepening child protection crisis that requires urgent national attention.
In a recent statement, the organisation said the alarming statistics highlight the continued vulnerability of girls to sexual abuse, exploitation, child marriage, poverty, and harmful social norms that deprive them of their childhood, education, health, and future opportunities.
Shamwari YeMwanasikana stressed that every child pregnancy represents a violation of a child’s rights and should be treated as a matter of national concern.
“The reported cases are a reminder that stronger prevention, protection, and accountability measures are urgently needed,” the organisation said.
The organisation called for the accelerated implementation of Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan (NAP) to End Child Marriages and Child Pregnancies, supported by adequate resources, clear targets, and community-level interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
It also urged authorities to strengthen monitoring and accountability mechanisms linked to commitments made under the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Child Marriages to ensure national pledges translate into tangible action.
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Among its recommendations, Shamwari YeMwanasikana renewed calls for the establishment of a national sex offenders register, arguing that such a system would strengthen child protection efforts, prevent repeat offences, and safeguard children from known perpetrators.
The organisation further highlighted the need for tighter regulation and oversight of churches and religious institutions.
It proposed mandatory child safeguarding policies and reporting procedures to ensure that places where children gather remain safe and free from abuse.
Particular concern was raised over the possible underreporting of child sexual abuse and pregnancies in informal and artisanal mining communities.
According to the organisation, girls in these areas are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation due to poverty, weak protection systems, and limited access to essential services.
“The 518 reported cases in Bubi may represent only a fraction of the true extent of abuse affecting children in mining settlements and surrounding communities,” the statement warned.
Shamwari YeMwanasikana called on government ministries, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, parents, and communities to work together in addressing the crisis.
The organisation emphasised the importance of strengthening reporting mechanisms, improving access to survivor-centred support services, keeping girls in school, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
“Zimbabwe’s children deserve to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect,” the organisation said.
“Protecting them is a collective responsibility that requires urgent and sustained action.”
The latest figures from Bubi district have intensified calls for coordinated interventions to tackle child pregnancies and child marriages, which remain significant challenges affecting the welfare and development of young girls across Zimbabwe.