Child marriages under the spotlight

Paidamoyo Bore

EARLY child marriages hinder the role of women to participate in the development of their country.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration of the Day of African Child, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Jennifer Mhlanga, said the surge in child marriages was alarming.

The Day of the African Child is commemorated on June 16 every year. And, Zimbabwe usually celebrates the day by tackling children’s issues.

“There is need for strong interventions to fight against child marriages as it hinders the role of women to participate in the development of their country,” she said.

Dep Minister Mhlanga has invited different partners, stakeholders and parents to come on board in fighting child marriages.

“I am happy that on 27 May 2022, the President signed into law The Marriages Act that prohibits the marriage of minors under the age of 18.

“The role of women is at the front end of the chain of improvements, leading to the family and the community’s long-term capacity.

“The role of women in society cannot be underestimated since women are the epitome of strength, and truly of love, of sacrifice and more often than not, of courage,” she said.

Dep Min Mhlanga urged the media to amplify the voice of ending child marriages and also promote the empowerment of women.

This year’s Day of African Child is celebrated under the theme “A Call To Eliminate Harmful Practices Against Children”.

UNICEF representative, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, said they have made ending child marriages in Zimbabwe one of the programme priorities in their new country programme.

“We need behavioural change in communities and throughout society.

“The perception of the role of women in society needs to change.

“Adolescent girls need to be given the opportunity to develop their full potential as individuals and, as members of their community, and society,” Dr. Oyewale said.

He called upon every citizen to pledge against child marriage fight for the empowerment of women in society.

UNPFA Representative, Doctor Esther Muia, also emphasised the need to end child marriages as it is posing serious health threats to society.

She also said child marriages were causing an increase in malnutrition.

UK-based football star, Marvellous Nakamba, who graced the event, made a pledge to fight early child marriages and empower women.