Child marriages rate still high in Muchinga Province

Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone says there is need for a collaborated response from all guardians if child marriages are to end in Zambia.

Mr. Sichone said this in a speech read on his behalf by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba during the launch of the World Vision Campaign for ending child marriages dubbed “It takes Zambia to End Child Marriages” which was held at Chimbalanga Gardens in Mpika district in Muchinga Province.

He said child marriages are mostly common among adolescents who are from poor families, those not attending school and living in rural areas adding that, ending child marriage requires a collaborated response from all the guardians.

He said the United Nations Population Fund Survey Report of 2016 shows that Muchinga Province still has high prevalence rates at 39.9% of children who are getting married before the age of 18.

Mr. Sichone said child marriage affects more girls than boys with 17% of girls aged between 15 and 19 married compared to only 1% of boys in the same age group.

He said that he is thankful to World Vision Zambia for engaging traditional leadership on the need to end harmful traditional practices such as child marriage.

Meanwhile, World Vision Zambia National Director, John Hasse, said it is unfortunate that many boys and girls in Zambia today find themselves getting married early and this vice should not be allowed to continue.

He added that it is for this reason that the World Vision is working in different countries to see to it that children experience life in its fullness.

He said his organization also focuses on changing people’s mindsets and creating conducive environment for children to grow up in and to actually be children and not be married off early.