Youth and Women’s Organisations Champion the Alignment of Khomba and Varemba Cultural Practices with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and Child Protection Laws

By A Correspondent – Traditional initiation ceremonies remain an important part of the cultural identity of the Varemba people and other communities in Zimbabwe. For generations, these rites of passage have played a significant role in transmitting values, discipline, cultural knowledge, and a sense of belonging from one generation to the next.

Recognising the importance of preserving cultural heritage while safeguarding the rights of children and young people, the Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) and the Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG) are working with traditional leaders and cultural custodians across Masvingo Province, Manicaland Province, and parts of Mberengwa District in Midlands Province to promote the alignment of Khomba and Varemba initiation practices with Zimbabwe’s constitutional and legal frameworks.

Through community dialogues, stakeholder meetings, and rights awareness programmes, YESDA and MWRAG are encouraging traditional leaders to ensure that cultural practices uphold the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly Section 51 (Right to Human Dignity), Section 75 (Right to Education), and Section 76 (Right to Health Care Services). The organisations believe that culture and human rights can coexist, with traditional practices evolving to protect the wellbeing and future of children without losing their cultural significance.

A key focus of the initiative is promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) during initiation ceremonies. YESDA advocates for the provision of age-appropriate SRHR information and services, including education on HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections, menstrual health management, bodily autonomy, consent, child protection, and access to health services. The organisation argues that initiation ceremonies provide a strategic platform to equip young people with critical life skills and health information while reinforcing positive cultural values.

The organisations have also raised concerns about reported rights violations associated with some Khomba initiation practices, including prolonged absence from school, exposure to harmful practices, gender stereotypes, and teachings that may contribute to child marriage and unequal power relations between girls and boys. Such practices undermine children’s rights and conflict with Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting young people from harm.

To address these concerns, YESDA and MWRAG are advocating for the review and strengthening of initiation practices in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), the Marriages Act [Chapter 5:17], the Children’s Act, the Education Act, and the Public Health Act, as well as regional and international child protection standards. Particular emphasis is being placed on eliminating practices that promote child marriage, restrict access to education, or compromise the health and dignity of participants.

By engaging traditional leaders as partners in change, YESDA and MWRAG are demonstrating that cultural heritage can be preserved while advancing human rights. Their work seeks to ensure that Khomba and Varemba initiation ceremonies become platforms for promoting education, health, gender equality, child protection, and the empowerment of young people across Zimbabwe.