Govt urged to show seriousness in ending child marriages

Government has been urged to show that it is serious about tackling the scourge of child marriages in Zambia.

NGOCC vice Chairperson Yunkie Mwale says government leaders should take action to end the devastating practice that robs girls of education and exposes them to abuse.

She has also called on all religious leaders, political Leaders, government officials and the Community at large to help end child and forced marriages to safeguard the future of girls in the Country.

And Ms. Mwale has observed that gender inequality where women and girls often occupy lower status in society is a result of social and cultural traditions.

She states that such beliefs and attitudes deny women and girls rights and stifles their ability to play equal roles in their homes and communities.

Ms. Mwale says the NGOCC has also taken note that girls are being pushed out of their homes into marriages as a relief to end economic burdens.

She notes that such marriages however affect the girls’ health, physiology, emotions and mental faculties.
Ms. Mwale has since encouraged all stakeholders to play their roles deservedly to ensure the total welfare of the girl child in Zambia.