By Own Correspondent

Poverty and inequality are the main forces pushing children into work in Zimbabwe, according to the Employers' Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ).

 Speaking at the National Child Protection Conference in Bulawayo, EMCOZ Executive Director Nesta Mukwehwa called for a broader national response that tackles families’ economic hardships alongside enforcing workplace protections.

Mukwehwa emphasized that eliminating child labour requires more than just labour regulations. “The root cause of child labour, especially in our country, is linked to inequalities and poverty at household level. Children are often driven into work because families are struggling to make ends meet,” Mukwehwa said.

The conference brought together government ministries, the United Nations, civil society, development partners, the private sector, academia, regional delegates, and children. The goal: to strengthen child protection systems, improve coordination between sectors, and boost investment in keeping children safe from emerging risks.

Mukwehwa noted that employers, government, and labour unions are working together to strengthen policies protecting children from exploitation, especially as new threats emerge in the digital economy. Zimbabwe is currently reviewing its labour and employment framework after adopting the Platform Economy Convention at the International Labour Conference in June.

Authorities are assessing whether to update current laws and possibly ratify the convention for stronger protections against online exploitation, abuse, and violence.

She also raised questions about whether social support programs like the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) are reaching all vulnerable children. While educational support helps, Mukwehwa said, “If there’s no food at home, even a child who is in school may still be pushed into work.”

Other issues, such as teenage pregnancies and child marriages, were discussed, with calls to expand awareness and protection programs, especially those supported by the National AIDS Council.

The conference continues with discussions aimed at improving child protection systems, fostering collaboration, and advancing the rights and welfare of children across Zimbabwe.