By Takudzwa Mahove
Recent developments in the legislative landscape have raised questions concerning the issue of child custody and guardianship. Legislators are now calling for a review of the laws which govern the relationship between parents and their children, in order to bring about greater equality between both the mother and the father.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Harare East legislator Tendai Biti stressed the need for measures that allow the mother to obtain passports and other forms of identification, even in the absence of the father. He also urged for an amendment to the law which currently forces a woman to request the father’s signature for such documentation.
In the current system, fathers are granted sole authority to make decisions concerning their children’s health, education, and other important matters. Furthermore, mothers often do not get to enjoy the same rights and resources, even in cases of divorce or separation. An overhaul of the current legal framework is necessary in order to bring about greater balance to the system and allow for equal opportunities for both mothers and fathers.
The introduction of laws that support and protect the rights of both parents is essential in ensuring that children are raised in a healthy and safe environment. This would also be beneficial in providing children with the emotional and financial support they require to thrive and reach their full potential.
It is important that the voices of legislators be heard and the necessary steps are taken in order to bring about a more equitable system of child custody and guardianship. It is only through the adoption of laws that treat both parents equally that we can ensure the well-being and success of our children.