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Faith Katete-Herald Reporter

Women have hailed the setting aside $2,4 billion for social protection programmes as the move will go a long way in rectifying social ills women face on social, political and economic levels.

The funds were included by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube in the national budget and women believe it will help correct the anomalies of society brought on by years of inequality and gender-based discrimination.

Women for Economic and Social Empowerment (WESE) executive director Mrs Sabrina Kundai Chambara said the Government should address the existing imbalances evident around Zimbabwe.

“WESE in the same vein would like to encourage the Government that while this is a step in the right direction, a lot more needs to be done to address the existing imbalances that are evident around Zimbabwe especially marginalised areas and rural Zimbabwe,” she said.

“These imbalances have doubled due Covid-19 and the girl child has been seriously affected as the number of teen pregnancies has shockingly risen and these are the greatest stumbling block to achieving gender equality, Government should pursue a national community engagement to address this issue and start prioritising sex education to enlighten young people on the dangers of engaging in sexual activities early.

“Issues of sanitary health of women should also be addressed as a matter of urgency especially considering that a lot of women do not have access to basic sanitary wear or access to health facilities.”

Mrs Chambara said that social issues affecting women such as gender-based violence require collective effort “to stimulate society into reforming a number of stereotypes that have been proven beyond any reasonable doubt to be false narrative and a form of injustice”.

WESE also encourages the Government to disburse the funds in a fair and transparent manner that will seek to benefit those who are really in need of the support. The most vulnerable societies had to be identified and in the process stakeholders engaged within the issues of women emancipation.

Labour Economists Afrikan Democracy President Mrs Linda Masarira applauded the move by the Government to set aside $2,4 billion for social programs targeting women.

“Women have been structurally marginalised but however it is imperative for the Government to ensure that every woman in Zimbabwe benefits from this programme regardless of political party affiliation. In the same light it is important for the Government to seriously consider setting up a drug and substance rehabilitation centre to help assist young girls who are now addicted to the new pandemic called mutoriro.”

“Young girls are falling pregnant whilst intoxicated and their future being stolen away from them. We all have responsibility to protect,” she said.