Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. GOVERNMENT has emphasised the pivotal role played by the family unit in the fight against crime, drug and substance abuse as well as ensuring peace in the country.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa said this yesterday ahead of the belated International Families Day commemorations.
The day is commemorated annually on May 15.
“The family unit, which is the building block of any community, is the most basic sub-unit upon which communities and nations are built,” Mutsvangwa told journalists at a Press conference in Bulawayo.
“It is through the family unit that community members are socialised, trained and equipped to be modern citizens and play their role in the development of our nation.
“Family stability is very important, as it plays a key role in confronting negative vices and ills, such as crime, poverty, gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse and moral decadence.”
Mutsvangwa said the celebrations were being held in Bulawayo in the spirit of decentralisation.
“As you are aware that most of these national events used to happen in the capital city Harare, but the second republic… is making all ministries understand the importance of decentralisation because everyone is important,” she said.
Mutsvangwa said the private sector and other stakeholders such as the Church had a role in fostering the family unit.
“We need to ensure that the private sector comes on board because we need to invest in the protection, development and stability of the family unit,” she said.
“That’s the only way we can ensure that everyone can thrive and contribute positively to a better society at the national level.”
International Day of Families was established as a result of United Nations Resolution 47/237 of September 20, 1993.
The day has been celebrated annually since 1994.
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