Harare, Zimbabwe, 15 May, 2018 - Zimbabwe joins the rest of the World to commemorate International Day of Families. The theme for this year is  “Families and inclusive societies,” celebrating the importance of families, societies and making a difference

In this news clip on PowerFM radio UNFPA Country Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Esther Muia reminds us of the importance of the family unit to achieve our mandate. International Day of Families 2018 focuses on SustainableDevelopmentGoal Sustainable Development Goals 16 relating to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development

Young people's development

UNFPA promotes healthy family life encouraging open communication btw parents & children about growing up, smart choices & achieving goals in life. The Parent to Child Communication (PCC) program gives youngpeople info at family level on SRHR & SGBV International Day Of FamiliesAdolescents and parents both benefit when Parent to Child Communication about sexuality is open and honest as young people learn to make informed decisions about their SRH. The open comm helps to strengthen relationships within the family unit. Changing an individual’s behaviour remains the responsibility of that individual, families should however create an environment that supports & encourages positive behaviour change that’s what the UNFPA PCC program aims to do.

Ending Gender Based Violence and harmful cultural practices

Ending Gender Based Violence should start at the family unit by creating safe spaces for women and girls. Family units should shun and discourage child marriages as it violates the rights of the girl child and prevents her from reaching her full potential. 

Ensuring access to Family Planning

Family Planning is a human right! Planning families starts at the family unit. UNFPA supports families to plan and space their children through the promoting the use of Family Planning. Family planning is central to women’s empowerment and sustainable development. Family Planning is a basic human right which saves lives. Family Planning reduces unintended pregnancies and prevents unplanned births, unsafe abortions, miscarriages and maternal deaths. By merely reducing unintended pregnancies, family planning reduces infant deaths and improves child survival. By increasing the interval between pregnancies it reduces perinatal mortality. Studies show that in last two decades, 40% reduction in maternal mortality in developing world had been due to increased uptake of contraceptive use and preventing unintended pregnancies. 

Safe motherhood

Children need their mothers for nurturing! No woman should die while giving. We support safe motherhood by helping ensure women deliver in health facilities where they can access skilled care and emergency obstetric care