Statement on Day of the African Child 2024
16 JUNE 2024
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) joins the world in celebrating International Children’s Day. The 2024 theme, “Education for all children in Africa; the time is now”, means that every child belonging to any society or community across the corners of Zimbabwe is entitled to enjoying full rights, including the often marginalised geographically and socially. ZGC recognises that education is a fundamental right and an essential tool for achieving gender equality and empowering all children, regardless of their background.
Call to Action
As we commemorate this day, we call upon the government, communities, and all stakeholders to take decisive action in the following areas:
- Education for All: Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their location, race, parental status, disability, gender, or any other status. Let us prioritise inclusive and equitable education for all children. We call upon all stakeholders to join hands in creating resilient education systems that are inclusive, equitable and accessible to every child. By investing in education, we invest in a brighter future for our children and continent.
- Protection from Exploitation and Abuse: We urge the government to strengthen measures to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The recently promulgated SI 2 of 2024 protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation is a positive step, but continued vigilance is essential.
- Health and Well-being: Ensure that children have access to healthcare, nutrition, and safe environments. Address the impact of HIV and AIDS on children, aiming for a world where no child is left behind.
- Child Participation: Empower children to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Their voices matter, and their perspectives should shape policies and programs.
- Ending Child Marriage: Eradicate child marriage, which denies children their rights and perpetuates gender inequality.
ZGC Commitment
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission remains committed to advancing the rights of both girls and boys, steadfast in its mission to address gender disparities, eliminate discrimination, and advance gender justice for all.
Let us collectively work to ensure that every child in Zimbabwe, and across Africa, has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to our shared vision of prosperity and development. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children.
For Gender Equality
For further information, please contact: For media inquiries and further information, please contact For more information, contact ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe 0712214203/ 0772869214, or Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa 0712899543/ 0772327955
Download Link: Statement on International Day of the African Child 2024
