Masvingo – In a bold and unapologetic statement, Ruvarashe Chigiya Mujeni, the Director for Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity and Wellness in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, dismissed the idea of “child marriage” in Zimbabwe as a complete myth, calling it what it truly is child rape disguised as marriage.
Speaking to the Masvingo Provincial Information Desk during a stakeholder engagement event, Mujeni emphasized that there is no legal recognition of marriage below the age of 18 in Zimbabwe.
“Let’s make it clear: the law is not vague. A person below 18 years of age cannot legally consent to marriage. So when someone refers to a 14- or 15-year-old being married off, that is not a marriage. That is a criminal act it is statutory rape,” she said firmly.
Mujeni’s remarks come amid increasing concerns across communities over growing cases of early unions often wrongly romanticized as cultural or religious practices. She said such acts must be condemned in the strongest terms, as they violate the dignity and rights of the child, and are in direct contradiction with the Zimbabwean Constitution, the Marriage Act, and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
“The government of Zimbabwe, through our Ministry, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and other stakeholders, is committed to protecting the girl child. Those found violating this law are being arrested and prosecuted. We want communities to stop shielding perpetrators under the guise of tradition,” she added.
Mujeni also called for increased community awareness and engagement to protect vulnerable children, stressing the need for parents, guardians, churches, and traditional leaders to take a firm stand.
“Child protection is a collective responsibility. Let’s call it what it is and stop sugar-coating abuse,” she concluded.
