A Zimbabwean Perspective on Socio-Cultural Practices that Violate Rural Children's Right to Education and Dignity

The study used a human-right-based approach and culture theory to investigate socio-cultural practices in rural Zimbabwe that violate children's rights to education and dignity. The researchers collected participants' perceptions and attitudes towards these practices and their impact on children's fundamental rights. The data were analysed to understand how these practices violate children's rights to education and dignity, thereby affecting society's development. The study found that children in Zimbabwe's rural areas still face socio-cultural and religious practices such as child labour, forced marriages, and virginity tests. Despite being aware of these practices, their plight is often ignored due to the belittling of children by rural communities. The study recommends the establishment of proper support systems to ensure children are free to report, seek help, and receive counselling when their fundamental rights are violated.