First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa has ignored numerous problems met by expecting rural women and told them to stop having home deliveries.

Zimbabwe women resort to home deliveries due to long distances they have to travel to the nearest health facility, with some reportedly walking for more than 15km.

So bad is the situation in most areas that some mothers reportedly spend two days on the road to health facilities.

Other women are also deterred from making regular visits to clinics for check-ups due to fear of wild animals.

Mrs Mnangagwa made the uncosy call when she commissioned a waiting mothers shelter at Chapoto Clinic where nurses will give medical attention to the expecting mothers when necessary.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Mnangagwa urged the women to desist from giving birth at home.

“Expecting mothers, I have brought beds for you and other equipment which you will use during your stay at this shelter which was constructed by Angel of Hope Foundation,” she said.

“I urge you all to take good care of this place so that you have a place to stay while nurses monitor you if you have complications,” she said.

Mnangagwa said it was her wish to see the women participating in income-generating projects so that they become self-reliant.

“Women, I do not want you to just sit at home without doing anything waiting for hand-outs, I have brought sewing machines, make use of them,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa also expressed concern over rampant child marriage cases among the Doma people.

One of the mothers at the newly opened shelter is a 31-year-old woman expecting her seventh child.

She told the First Lady she got married at 15.

“It is painful for a child to bear a child. Children should grow up and mature before getting married.

“Parents stop marrying off your children before they are of age,” said Amai Mnangagwa.

Mashonaland Central Provincial nursing officer, Mrs Elizabeth Manjonjori, thanked the First Lady for building the mothers shelter in Kanyemba.

A Kanyemba woman, Mrs Stella Bhasikoro, said she used to be a professional tailor who sent her children to school using money realised from the venture.

She had stopped due to lack of resources and motivation but thanked the First Lady for reviving her passion, adding she was willing to teach her fellow villagers the necessary skills.

Minister of State for Mashonaland Central, Province Monica Mavhunga, attended the function and applauded the First Lady for supporting the Kanyemba community.