Zambia intensifies campaigns to end child marriages, protect children’s rights

The Zambian government is intensifying efforts to combat child marriages and other practices that hinder children’s potential.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, was highlighted by Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba.

Expressing concern over the high prevalence of child marriages in Zambia, Mwamba described the issue as a major obstacle to realizing children’s rights.

Her remarks were delivered by Beatrice Muyambango, Director for Child Development, during the official opening of the 2024 African Children Pre-Summit launch in Lusaka.

“We have enacted laws and policies to protect children from this harmful practice and are actively working to change societal attitudes through awareness and education programs,” Mwamba stated.

Children from across Zambia’s ten provinces gathered at the pre-summit to discuss a wide range of issues affecting them, including climate change, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, access to quality health and education, and early marriages.

The discussions aimed to find long-lasting solutions to protect children from these challenges.

Under the pre-summit theme “Seen, Heard, and Engaged,” the government acknowledged the various challenges affecting children and assured its commitment to addressing them.

At the summit, Mbabala Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children’s Rights, Joseph Munsanje, noted the recent enactment of the Children’s Code Act as a significant step forward in overcoming these challenges.

He recalled Zambia’s long struggle to effectively address child rights issues.

In a call to action, African Children’s Summit Chairperson George Kande advocated for children to be given a platform to voice their concerns and speak on issues that affect them.

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