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Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards protecting girls’ access to education, through the updated Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025 regulations which clearly stipulates that pregnant pupils are to be allowed to stay in school and finish their studies.
This law effectively guarantees the right of pregnant students to carry on with their education without being expelled due to their pregnancy status. But the million dollar is if it will be fully implemented or if will exist only on paper.
Zimbabwe is a little late to the party because her neighbour, South Africa through the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996 was already protecting its students and prohibited discrimination against learners based on pregnancy, meaning they have the right to continue their education without being expelled or excluded from school due to their pregnancy status. However, better late than never. This provision is plausible and aligns with the Zimbabwean Constitution which guarantees the right to education.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
In 2018 alone More than 6,000 pregnant girls dropped out of school in Zimbabwe , according to a UNESCO report and these changes, ensure the necessary changes are made to accommodate these students. This is further reinforced by the stipulation which mandates a supportive environment for pregnant students to complete their education. All schools are to provide psychosocial support to pupils that fall pregnant.
This legislation is a major victory for advocacy groups and education unions that have long championed the rights of pregnant girls to access education.
The new law is a crucial step towards addressing the alarming dropout rates among pregnant girls, with statistics showing that over 7,000 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy in 2019 alone.
The driving force behind pregnant girls in Zimbabwe abandoning their studies include stigma, discrimination, and lack of support from schools and communities.
Can this new legislation, guarantee girls can now continue their education without fear of exclusion or judgment will problem remain as is.
While this new law is a significant step forward, there are still concerns about its implementation and effectiveness. Some critics argue that the law does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of discrimination and stigma against pregnant girls. Others have raised concerns about the lack of resources and support systems to ensure the successful implementation of the law.
More steps need to be taken for this law to work full force like offering training for teachers and school staff to ensure they can provide adequate guidance and counselling because the legislation does not automatically provide educators with the facilities its takes to accommodate the symptoms that come with pregnancy.
Despite these challenges, the introduction of this law is a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and combating discrimination. As the country moves forward, it is essential to continue monitoring the implementation of this law and addressing the ongoing challenges to ensure that all girls, regardless of their pregnancy status, have access to quality education and equal opportunities.
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