Nearly Half of all Zimbabwean Men not Married
n It's Not Only You, Half of Zim Men Between 15-49 Never Married n nn n By Kwedu News n nn n Nearly half of Zimbabwean males aged between 15 and 49 have never been married, according to the latest findings from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demograp
anostrofy It's Not Only You, Half of Zim Men Between 15-49 Never Married
By Kwedu News
Nearly half of Zimbabwean males aged between 15 and 49 have never been married, according to the latest findings from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey released by ZimStat.
The report, launched recently, indicates that 48 percent of men in this age group are either married or cohabiting, whereas 45 percent have never entered into marriage.
The statistics further show that just one percent are widowed, while six percent are either divorced or separated.
“In Zimbabwe, significant gender disparities in marital status are evident among individuals aged 15-49,” the report notes.
It points out that 62 percent of women are currently married or living with a partner, a noticeable contrast to the 48 percent of men in similar unions.
Women also face higher rates of separation or divorce, with 12 percent affected compared to six percent of men.
On the other hand, 45 percent of men have never been married, almost double the proportion of women in the same category, which stands at 23 percent.
A pronounced difference in marriage registration emerges between urban and rural women.
In cities, 16 percent of women have officially registered their marriages, while only four percent have done so in rural communities.
Nationally, just nine percent of married women have formalised their unions through civil registration.
The survey also uncovered developments in child mortality over the last 20 years.
The under-five mortality rate has seen a sharp drop, from 102 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1999 to 69 deaths per 1,000 in the 2023–24 period.
However, the infant mortality rate has risen slightly, from 50 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 56 in the latest figures.
Neonatal mortality is now at its highest level yet, with 37 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The study also delves into early sexual activity among males aged 25 to 49. It found that three percent engaged in sexual intercourse before turning 15, and 25 percent had done so by age 18.
By the time they reached 20, 51 percent had become sexually active.
Commenting on the findings, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, represented by Dr Stephen Banda, Chief Director for Policy and Planning, highlighted the relevance of the data.
“This data is very important to policymakers and programme managers as it supports the design, monitoring and evaluation of health and development strategies across Zimbabwe.”
Dr Maunganidze also noted that the statistics will assist in reviewing both the National Health Strategy 2021–2025 and the National Development Strategy for the same period.
ZimStat Director General, Mr Tafadzwa Bandama, applauded the improvements highlighted in the survey: “We are encouraged by improvements in contraceptive use, child nutrition, increased use of insecticide-treated nets, and a reduction in maternal mortality. These gains are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Government, partners, and communities.”
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