SACCORD sees need to increase awareness on early marriages

The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has noted the need to increase awareness among young people on the effects of early marriages to enable them understand the long term impact.

Speaking during the launch of a study report on early marriage in Eastern province today, SACCORD Board Chairperson Christine Munalula says there is need to put in place effective mechanisms to ensure that children are prevented from getting into early marriages.

She adds that traditional leaders through their village registers should take up the role of monitoring and preventing early marriages in their communities.

Ms. Munalula says the study is important as it will help the country understand the problem of early marriages and have available evidence which can be used in addressing the vice.

Ms Munalula has further stated the need for Zambia to domesticate the United Nations convention on the rights of children.

SACCORD is currently implementing a project in four districts in eastern province aimed at addressing early marriages and increase opportunities for young girls to stay in school by ensuring that the right policies are developed and implemented.