By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kathy Short
Published on 2024-01-18 15:50:57
The United Nations has reported that there are approximately 1.7 million girls in Zambia who are under the age of 18 and are already married, with over 400,000 of them being married at the age of 15 or younger. In response to this issue, Kathy Short has filed a report from Lusaka on the ongoing efforts to put an end to child marriage in Zambia. The video footage and editing for the report was done by Elias Chulu.
The prevalence of child marriage in Zambia is a serious concern, as it not only robs young girls of their childhood but also has detrimental effects on their health, education, and overall well-being. Child brides are often forced into marriage due to cultural or traditional practices, poverty, or the lack of educational and economic opportunities for girls. Many of these girls are married off to much older men, putting them at risk of domestic violence and early pregnancy, which can have serious health consequences.
Efforts to tackle the issue of child marriage in Zambia are multifaceted and ongoing. Organizations and activists are working to raise awareness about the negative impact of child marriage and to change societal attitudes towards the practice. They are also advocating for and implementing policies and programs that aim to support girls’ education, provide economic opportunities for families, and create safe spaces for girls to seek help and support.
The government of Zambia has also taken steps to address the issue, including passing laws to raise the legal age of marriage to 21 and increasing penalties for those who facilitate or engage in child marriage. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure the effective enforcement of these laws and to provide support for girls who are already married.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that with continued efforts and the support of the international community, Zambia can make progress in ending child marriage and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential and lead a healthy and empowered life.
Read the original article on VOA
