Government committed to protecting families

The Government places great importance on families and has developed supportive legislation to protect and promote the development of the family unit, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Apollonia Munzverengwi has said.

She made the remarks during the provincial commemorations of the International Family Day held in Domboshava recently.

“Chapter 2, Section 25 of the national Constitution directs that the State and all agencies of Government must adopt measures to provide care and assistance to mothers, fathers and other family members taking care of children,” she said.

“This in itself gives weight to the reality that for societal and national development to be realised, there is need to adopt family centred development initiatives that equitably meet the needs of all family members.”

She said several programmes are being implemented and this has led to an increase in incomes at family level, leading to more stable families.

“Through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa inputs scheme, the Second Republic’s intervention will be extended beyond the provision of sustenance by empowering the elderly, girls, women and youths to support families,” she said.

“There are social ills that affect families, but I am happy that we are addressing this problem,” she said.

Government is implementing various programmes in schools, tertiary institutions and churches to address gender based violence and incidences of rape.

“Such programmes include community-based awareness campaigns that are being held at district and ward levels in line with the National Action Plan on Rape and Gender-Based Violence.”