Government has taken a significant step towards strengthening its social protection systems with the launch of the Zimbabwe Social Protection Week, in Harare this week, under the theme “Inclusive social protection – Every voice, every need for the future.”
The initiative, which was spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Service Labor and Social Welfare aims to improve human life through a lifecycle approach that ensures that people receive tailored support at various stages of their lives.
The Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare, Honorable Edgar Moyo, who officiated at the event which was attended by various stakeholders including development partners. The minister highlighted that the initiative was testament to Government’s commitment to social protection and its recognition of the critical role it plays in promoting socio-economic development.
“The event marks a critical juncture in our national drive to strengthen systems, empower communities and uphold the dignity and well-being of every citizen of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Moyo.
“Social protection in Zimbabwe is not confined to conventional welfare transfers, it has matured into a broad, multi-dimensional system that integrates health, education, housing, youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, livelihoods, psychosocial support, disability inclusion, social care services, community cohesion and human capital development.
“It is the backbone of a nation’s capacity to safeguard its population from shocks, reduce structural poverty, and facilitate upward social mobility. In this sense, social protection must not merely respond to crises, it must build the social, economic and institutional foundations for a sustainable future,” he added.
Speaking during the launch, UNICEF Country Representative, Etona Ekole, commended the Government for creating an enabling environment for social protection.
“The development of the National Social Protection Policy Framework, the Social Protection Single Registry, and ongoing work toward shock-responsive delivery systems are examples of progress that deserve recognition,” said Ekole.
Among other interventions, Government’s efforts to support vulnerable populations are evident in its Harmonized Social Cash Transfer Programme (HSCT), which has been providing timely cash transfers to over 113 500 people in eight districts across the country.
This programme has not only helped households to cope with crises but also contributed to the development of a robust social protection system.
