On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated under the theme Girls’ vision for the future, Mayo Zimbabwe calls for immediate and sustained investment in the education, skills, and empowerment of girls.
This year’s theme highlights the urgency of action needed to support girls in shaping their futures, driven by the strength of their voices, ambitions, and visions for a better world.
Abel Mavura, founder and director of Mayo Zimbabwe, underlined the importance of prioritising girls’ perspectives and aspirations in the fight against child marriage and gender inequality.
“The future belongs to girls who are given the tools to achieve their dreams,” he said.
“Child marriage continues to trap many girls in cycles of poverty, and we must urgently address this by empowering them with quality education, digital skills, and the ability to envision their own futures.
"Girls are the architects of tomorrow, and we must listen to their voices and support their visions.”
Child marriage remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe, where nearly 28% of girls are married before the age of 18.
Although the government has made progress by setting the legal marriage age at 18 and expanding educational support through initiatives like the Basic Education Assistance Module, Mavura emphasized that more must be done.
“We need to give girls the resources and opportunities to build the futures they imagine, particularly in rural areas where educational and digital divides persist,” he said.
“By addressing barriers such as child marriage, early motherhood, and gender-based violence, we can help girls realise their visions for a better tomorrow.”
Faith Mwangi-Powell, CEO of Girls Not Brides said girls’ visions for the future were filled with hope, resilience, and possibility.
“When we invest in their education and protect their rights, we unlock their potential to lead meaningful lives and contribute to the growth of their communities,” she said.
“Ending child marriage must remain a key focus as we work to amplify girls’ voices and aspirations.”
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination, and Programme Results at UN Women, reaffirmed the importance of amplifying girls’ voices in shaping policy and societal change.
“Girls have a powerful vision for their futures, and our role is to support their ambitions by breaking down the barriers they face,” she said.
“This means providing access to education, technology, and safe environments where girls can thrive and lead.”
Mayo Zimbabwe will organise a series of events, including community dialogues and workshops, aimed at amplifying girls’ voices and visions for the future.
These events will bring together local leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore ways to support girls in rural areas in achieving their goals.
Mayo Zimbabwe is a youth and women’s organisation committed to empowering young people, advocating against child marriage, preventing gender-based violence, and promoting the prevention of HIV and Aids.