Chief Maguya of the Ngoni speaking people in Chipata, Eastern Province, has warned parents and guardians against marrying off their children at an early age.
Chief Maguya says cases of early marriages and teen pregnancies are rampant in the district, affecting his chiefdom as well.
He says the chiefdom is currently operating within the confines of the laws of the nation and also effecting by-laws, in efforts to curb the vices.
The traditional leader says that, guided by the by-laws, parents involved in marrying off their children early are fined.
Chief Maguya told the media that for cases involving children below 16 years, they are usually referred to the One stop center to handle, while fines are applicable when those involved are above 16.
He said the fine is also meant to deter would be offenders.
And Eastern province Senior Gender Officer, Annita Muteto was happy with the services rendered under the One Stop Center in Maguya chiefdom.
She said that most of the gender related cases involving children are treated with utmost importance, for the good of the children and society as a whole.
Meanwhile, Family Development Initiatives Eastern Province Coordinator, Paul Banda noted that despite some teenagers falling victim to teen pregnancies, there is need for them to go back to school.
He explained the reason behind the Breaking the Circle programme supported by UNICEF, to ensure that such girls utilise the re-entry policy.
“The Initiative is aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to be educated,” Mr Banda said.
