IN a dimly lit Moffat Hall in Mutare, young rural school girls’ eyes are glued to the screen as the film At The End of the Rainbow unfolds. The story resonates deeply within them, sparking a transformation that will change the course of their lives forever. This film has become a beacon of hope for rural schoolgirls across the country, tackling topics such as sexual and reproductive health.
The short film is making waves in rural Zimbabwe, creating an impactful dialogue around the critical issues of sexual and reproductive health rights, child marriage and obstetric fistula. Produced by Bustop TV with the support of Amnesty International Zimbabwe, the 17-minute film tells the story of Onai, a young girl whose life spirals after being sexually abused by her school head, subsequently married off at a tender age, and ultimately suffering from a devastating obstetric fistula during childbirth. The film was screened recently at the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child in Mutare, gathering 75 rural girls from Nyagundi and Gwirindindi secondary schools in Manicaland province.
The event, themed Girls in Conflict, served not only as a platform for the screening but also as a crucial opportunity for these young women to discuss the harsh realities of child marriage and its repercussions on their health and rights. According to Rose Muzerengi, campaigns coordinator for Amnesty International Zimbabwe, the film sheds light on a disturbing but often overlooked issue. “This film aims to raise awareness about these issues and advocate the prevention of child marriage and fistula.
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Girls in rural areas remain the most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,” she said. The narrative of Onai resonates deeply with many girls in Zimbabwe, where societal norms often prioritise marriage over education. Muzerengi added: “The film highlights the connection between child sexual abuse, child marriage and obstetric fistula.” These issues have devastating consequences, further marginalising girls who are already at risk of social isolation and health complications.
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