Zambia Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Child Marriages

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to ending all forms of child marriages through effective legal and policy frameworks. Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, emphasized the need for renewed stakeholder commitment to end child, early, and forced marriages by 2030.

While acknowledging Zambia's progress in implementing community-based initiatives, legal reforms, and educational campaigns, Ms. Kawandami expressed concern that millions of girls are still married before the age of 18. The country has made significant strides, including passing the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023, which sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years old.

Ms. Kawandami assured that Zambia stands ready to collaborate with global partners to mobilize the political will, financial resources, and community engagement needed to secure every girl's right to a safe, healthy, and empowered life. Canada and the United Kingdom have also pledged their support, with Canada championing the global campaign against child, early, and forced marriages and the UK urging member states to formulate policies that ensure education, health, and the future of girls are secured.

Implementing effective community-based initiatives and awareness-raising campaigns.

 Working with global partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to mobilize resources and support.

Strengthening legal frameworks, including the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023, to prevent child marriage.

This is by ensuring girls have access to education, reproductive health services, and social protection to empower them and prevent child marriage.