Source: The Herald
Government has set aside a budget for formulation of the Girls’ Empowerment Framework, a Cabinet Minister says. Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Oppah Muchinguri told The Herald that the budget would also cover implementation of the policy, though she did not say how much money had been set aside.

“We are pushing for this policy because it promotes the aspirations of the girl child,” she said. “We are working with several stakeholders who work on girl child-related issues and we have set aside a budget that is going to cater for the resources we would need for the implementation of the policy,” she said.

The Girls Empowerment Framework will address issues related to education, economic empowerment, reproductive health rights, safety and protection, and leadership and development.

“My ministry remains committed in ensuring that the girl child is fully empowered, ensure that a conducive environment is created for the full realisation of their rights and also to ensure that the girl child gets a secure future,” Minister Muchinguri said. She said the framework would also seek to curb early marriages.

According to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey, 21,7 percent of girls in Zimbabwe get married between the ages of 15 and 19; while 63,1 percent marry between 20 and 24-years-old.

Ms Netty Musanhu, director of rights group Musasa Project, said they would support the proposed framework.