encourage learners to perceive Arts and Culture as an important component of the school system. Cultural Diversity 17.7. Zimbabwe ratified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression of 2005 in 2007. 17.8. The Constitution prohibits harmful cultural practices. Various pieces of legislation including the Children’s Act, Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Law (Codification) and Reform Act give effect to these constitutional provisions and prohibit female genital mutilation, virginity testing and child marriages among others. Challenges 17.9. There has been a lack of resources to carry out awareness campaigns against harmful cultural practices and fully implement all initiatives. Responses 17.10. Government in collaboration with cooperating partners continues to mobilise resources to implementation the fight against harmful cultural practices. 18.Article 19: Equality of all Peoples Constitutional Measures 18.1. The Constitution adjures the State to promote the fair representation of all Zimbabwe’s regions in all institutions and agencies of government at every level. In addition, the State is mandated to take practical measures to ensure that all local Page | 49

Select target paragraph3