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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
STAKEHOLDERS in Kariba district are developing an action plan to end child marriages amid reports that at least 32 girls were married in the first quarter of 2021.
The plan seeks to find ways of addressing the key drivers of child marriages, hindrances to justice in the event of abuse and ways to prevent the scourge.
It emerged during a consultative meeting in Kariba that people in the rural areas were finding it difficult to find justice in cases of abuse that include rape and child marriages owing to long distances travelled to reach the courts.
Such cases can only be presided over by a regional magistrate who is found in Karoi making it cumbersome to follow through the process of justice.
“Cases are reported to the police in Kariba but when it comes to being handled, they are referred to Karoi,” said Ms Patricia Machivenyika, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Kariba district principal officer Ms Patricia Machivenyika.
“A case is reported in Siakobvu and a child has to be taken to Karoi to testify. Because of the distances involved, they have to travel and be sheltered in Karoi. The matter is often not dealt with and concluded on the same day, so people end up making local arrangements for marriage.”
There is need for mobile or outreach courts in Nyaminyami district.
Msasa Project representative Ms Monica Muchenje said the courts should be empowered to impose steep sentences and fines for people involved in child marriages.
“We have situations where someone commits rape or marries a minor at law but they are fined a paltry amount which is not deterrent at all. Something has to be done about the fines,” she said.
Part of the action plan on ending child marriages includes awareness campaigns targeting communities, community leaders and schoolchildren.
The action plan will run from June to December.
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