Govt rallies stakeholders to end child marriage in rural areas

The government has called on stakeholders to collaborate in developing long-term solutions to address child marriages, particularly in rural areas.

Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba, expressed concern over the ongoing disempowerment of young girls and women in Zambia due to early marriages.

She emphasized the need for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to continue supporting government efforts in fostering women’s empowerment and community development.

Her remarks were delivered by Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, during the official opening of the 23rd Non-Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) General Assembly in Lusaka on Friday.

The assembly, themed “Transforming NGOCC for Greater Impact, Reach, and Sustained Women’s Empowerment,” focused on addressing the root causes of gender inequality and its impact on women and girls.

“This theme is particularly relevant as gender inequality remains the root cause of many social issues disproportionately affecting women and girls,” Mwamba said.

The Minister commended NGOCC’s transformation and rebranding efforts aimed at enhancing its impact but noted persisting challenges, including low participation of women in politics, gender-based violence, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies.

She attributed many of these issues to entrenched patriarchal norms that perpetuate gender disparities.

“The government is confident that closing the gender gap will not only reinvigorate the women’s movement through strengthened partnerships but also pave the way for innovative strategies to overcome these challenges,” Mwamba added.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women, highlighting President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge earlier this year to undertake constitutional reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance.

“The New Dawn Government recognizes women as the bedrock of political development and is committed to ensuring their meaningful inclusion in Zambia’s political landscape,” she said.

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