BY NYASHA DUBE – Women across all sections of society in Zimbabwe have expressed mixed feelings over the new Education Law which allows pregnant girls to continue with school.
Government recently amended and passed into law the Education Act, part of which bars government schools from expelling girls who fall pregnant.
Other provisions of the law no longer allow teachers to cane students, or exclude them from classes over non payment of fees.
Before the amendment of the law, pregnant girls would be expelled from school, but the responsible boy would be spared.
Whilst most women have welcomed it as a step in the right direction towards fighting gender discrimination, some are critical of it.
Here’s what they have to say:
“If the pregnant girl is able to cope up with the stress that comes up with discrimination from students, teachers and other parents who pick up or drop their children at school, then she may stay at school. Its never easy to be the talk of the town as a ‘ promiscuous ‘ or rotten apple. A growing belly is a centre of attraction at a school setup and her performance might be affected. Then I suggest one to attend school until the belly is visible, take a break ,give birth and return to school” ~ Nobuhle Mahlahla
“If someone decides to be a parent, let them drop out and be a parent or rather they can attend classes at college not a formal school” ~ Anonymous
“It’s a good move that should be implemented because long back girls were disadvantaged. If they got pregnant and it would be a huge setback for their plans academically so now it’s a good move and it will actually bring a positive impact on girls” ~ Priscilla
“It’s now fair because it’s the girl who always got expelled whilst the boy stays in school. This was disadvantaging the girl child” ~ Rutendo Marume