Young women in rural Makoni South, Zimbabwe, are urging the government to implement community projects to prevent them from falling prey to predatory men amid the El Niño-induced drought.
The drought has exacerbated poverty in this region of Manicaland, leaving many girls with few opportunities. As a result, they are becoming increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, with many being impregnated and abandoned.
Ruramai Kerama, a 19-year-old resident, shared her concerns during a rally organized by the People’s Unity Party (PUP) at Marowa Business Centre. “I couldn’t go to school because my family couldn’t afford it. Now, we are struggling to survive even as domestic animals face starvation. My future feels hopeless,” she said.
At the rally, PUP President Herbert Chamuka called on men to be more responsible, particularly in the context of the hardships faced by women in rural areas. He implored them to avoid impregnating young girls who are left struggling to care for children alone.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed Kerama’s concerns. “We are pleading with the government to support us with projects that can help us during these difficult times. The drought has left us with nothing,” she said.
Aside from the socio-economic challenges brought by the drought, villagers are also facing a dire healthcare crisis. The nearest medical facility, Chitenderano Clinic, is located 10 kilometers away, leaving many in the community at risk, especially pregnant women.
According to local leaders, the distance has led to multiple maternal deaths as women give birth while attempting to reach the clinic. “We have lost many relatives because they couldn’t afford to hire transport to the hospital,” said Headman Victor Kuwanda. “Even pregnant women are dying because they can’t make it in time. We need urgent action from the government.”
Headman Kuwanda suggested the construction of a clinic near Sharara Secondary School, which could benefit multiple villages in the area. “If a clinic were built, it would serve Nyamombe, Kuwanda, Karambezano, and several other villages,” he said.
Kuwanda also criticized local politicians for failing to keep their promises regarding healthcare infrastructure. “Every Member of Parliament promises a clinic, but nothing ever happens,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 458 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), a figure far above global targets.
For the women of Makoni South, the lack of nearby healthcare and the rising cases of teenage pregnancies have created an urgent call for government intervention to save lives and futures alike.
