Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chikondi Foundation President John Mambo has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for the prosecution of those who marry teenage girls, and parents and guardians, who marry them off.
Bishop Mambo has told QTV news in an interview that there is urgent need for the country to address the problem of child marriage.
He has observed that when girls are married off before the age of 18, their education is usually cut short and they are more likely to die as a result of pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Bishop Mambo who is also senior headman Nyampande in Rufunsa District says Nyampande area has lost intelligent girls to marriages.
Meanwhile The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has disclosed that it managed to re-enter 1,280 teen mothers, victims of child marriages back into school in 2021.
FAWEZA Programs Manager, Faith Minja has told QTV news in an interview that says most of the girls who have re-entered school have completed their secondary schools with others going on to be teachers.
Ms. Minja says this is under FAWEZA’s various projects aimed at ending child marriages, teenage pregnancies and enhancing access to sexual reproductive health rights.
She has observed that giving a second chance to these learners helps them to get hold of their future.