Members of Apostolic sects have been cited as topping the list of gender offenders.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) chairperson Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe in Chinhoyi when members of team paid a courtesy visit at Mashonaland West Devolution minister Marian Chombo’s offices in Chinhoyi on Monday .
She said most complaints were recorded in Harare and Manicaland provinces and involved female members of Apostolic sects.
“Most cases in the last few years were reported in Harare and Manicaland. From Manicaland it was mainly from Apostolic Faith churches and most issues had to do with child marriages,” said Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
She said the ZGC is opening five provincial offices in Bulawayo, Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo and Mashonaland West.
“Treasury had a budget of five provincial offices although we wanted to be in all the provinces as soon as possible,” said Mukahanana-Sangarwe .
According to government statistics , 34% of girls are married off before the age of 18 and 5% are married off before their 15th birthday. Harmful cultural and religious practices are listed as some of the causes of child marriages in the country.
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