Zimbabwe Govt Calls for United Front to End Violence Against Children

The Zimbabwean government urged a coordinated national strategy to protect minors from abuse and digital threats ahead of an international summit in Manila, deploying 20 community social workers across 10 districts while calling for shared responsibility across society.

We need to have a whole society approach in making us do this, because children belong to every person in society, Edgar Moyo said.

Ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Summit on Ending Violence Against Children in Manila, the Zimbabwean administration has laid out a five-point framework designed to overhaul child protection systems. Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo outlined the government priorities at a national preparatory meeting, arguing that safeguarding minors cannot fall to families alone.

He emphasized that institutional cooperation and public-private partnerships are central to funding prevention efforts. He noted that ending violence against children requires strong families, effective laws, safe schools and communities, accessible support services and reliable funding.

Zimbabwe Unveils Five Strategic Priorities For Child Protection

The government strategy addresses interconnected areas ranging from legal reform to digital safety.

Zimbabwe Govt Calls for United Front to End Violence Against Children — Photo: 263chat.com

Evidence has shown that these priorities depend on one another, Moyo stated, detailing the administration’s roadmap for institutional change.

Creating safe physical and institutional environments for youth.
Improving laws, policies, and regulatory enforcement.
Supporting parents and caregivers to fulfill household responsibilities.
Strengthening response and intervention services for abuse survivors.
Ensuring sustainable domestic financing alongside private-sector partnerships.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, stated that responsible parents were required and that support for parents and caregivers needed to be strengthened. He also called for alternative methods of disciplining children to protect them from violence and abuse.

Government Deploys Social Workers to Address Online Child Risks

To improve access to child protection services, the government is deploying 20 community social workers across 10 districts.

Beyond physical communities, the state is turning its attention to virtual harms where children face risks including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and other forms of online abuse.

Children must be safe in every setting, including online, Moyo noted, pointing to digital exploitation as a frontier requiring urgent administrative oversight.