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By Priscilla Mafa
More than 10 000 teenage girls dropped out of school across Zimbabwe between 2023 and 2025 due to pregnancy and early marriages, raising concern over the continued barriers preventing girls from completing their education.
According to official data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the figures highlight the persistent challenges facing girls despite policies that allow pregnant learners to return to school after giving birth.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders capacitation meeting on GBV in Chief Mafala Area , Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Schools Inspector in Zvishavane District, Mr Makesure Shumba, said inspections conducted at the beginning of the current school term revealed that a significant number of learners had failed to report to school when schools opened.
“Our inspections showed that a number of learners did not return to school at the start of the term for various reasons. As stakeholders, we must work together to identify these challenges and assist affected learners,” said Mr Shumba.
He reiterated that government policy supports the re-admission of girls who leave school due to pregnancy, urging parents and communities to support affected learners.
“It is important for parents and communities to understand that girls who drop out because of pregnancy are allowed to return to school after giving birth. Education remains their right, and they should be encouraged to continue with their studies,” he said.
Mr Shumba also called for stronger community efforts to combat child marriages, gender-based violence and other social challenges contributing to school dropouts.
“Every child deserves an opportunity to complete their education. Communities, schools, parents and traditional leaders all have a role to play in ensuring that learners remain in school,” he added.
Education and child rights advocates have also emphasized the need for greater awareness campaigns, strengthened protection mechanisms and increased support systems to ensure that vulnerable girls remain in school and are able to pursue their educational aspirations.
According to official data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the figures highlight the persistent challenges facing girls despite policies that allow pregnant learners to return to school after giving birth.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders capacitation meeting on GBV in Chief Mafala Area , Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Schools Inspector in Zvishavane District, Mr Makesure Shumba, said inspections conducted at the beginning of the current school term revealed that a significant number of learners had failed to report to school when schools opened.
“Our inspections showed that a number of learners did not return to school at the start of the term for various reasons. As stakeholders, we must work together to identify these challenges and assist affected learners,” said Mr Shumba.
He reiterated that government policy supports the re-admission of girls who leave school due to pregnancy, urging parents and communities to support affected learners.
“It is important for parents and communities to understand that girls who drop out because of pregnancy are allowed to return to school after giving birth. Education remains their right, and they should be encouraged to continue with their studies,” he said.
Mr Shumba also called for stronger community efforts to combat child marriages, gender-based violence and other social challenges contributing to school dropouts.
“Every child deserves an opportunity to complete their education. Communities, schools, parents and traditional leaders all have a role to play in ensuring that learners remain in school,” he added.
Education and child rights advocates have also emphasized the need for greater awareness campaigns, strengthened protection mechanisms and increased support systems to ensure that vulnerable girls remain in school and are able to pursue their educational aspirations.
Published
June 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
