Closing the chapter on child marriages is a distant ambition in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Despite great strides at developing and passing legislation to eradicate it, existing and emerging drivers are still at play, making youngsters vulnerable to this harmful practice. This was the main message conveyed by Equality Now at the recent Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
Child marriage is a violation of human rights and a global issue that affects millions of girls and young women. It is a practice that robs them of their childhood and exposes them to a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and poor health. In the SADC region alone, over 40% of girls are married before the age of 18 and 12% before the age of 15. This is a grave concern that needs urgent attention.
The SADC region has made significant progress in addressing child marriage. Over the years, several countries have enacted laws and policies to prevent and protect children from this practice. For instance, in 2016, Malawi passed a law that raised the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 for both boys and girls. This was a significant step towards ending child marriage in the country. Similarly, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa have also made strides in combating child marriage through legislation and awareness campaigns.
However, despite these efforts, the reality is that child marriage is still prevalent in the SADC region. This is due to various drivers, including poverty, cultural and traditional practices, lack of access to education, and gender inequality. These factors continue to put children, especially girls, at risk of being forced into marriage.
One of the underlying drivers of child marriage is poverty. Many families in the SADC region live in extreme poverty, and marrying off their daughters at a young age is seen as a way to reduce the financial burden. In many cases, girls are seen as commodities, and their fathers receive dowries in exchange for their marriage. This further perpetuates the cycle of poverty and denies girls the opportunity to education and a better future.
Cultural and traditional practices also play a significant role in perpetuating child marriage. In some communities, early marriage is seen as a way to preserve cultural traditions and maintain social status. In countries like Zimbabwe and Tanzania, traditional leaders often use their power to force girls into marriage, even if it is against their will. It is crucial to engage with these leaders and educate them on the harmful effects of child marriage.
Lack of access to education is another critical factor that contributes to child marriage. In the SADC region, girls are often denied the opportunity to go to school, and this makes them more vulnerable to child marriage. Education is a powerful tool that can empower girls and give them the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about their lives. Governments in the region must prioritize education and ensure that all children, especially girls, have access to quality education.
Gender inequality is also a root cause of child marriage. In many societies, girls are considered inferior to boys and are not given equal opportunities. This lack of equality makes girls more vulnerable to child marriage, as they have little control over their own lives. It is crucial to promote gender equality and empower girls to speak up against child marriage.
In conclusion, while the SADC region has made significant progress in addressing child marriage, there is still a long way to go. The existing and emerging drivers of this practice must be tackled effectively to protect children from this harmful practice. Governments must ensure that laws and policies are enforced, and perpetrators are held accountable. It is also essential to involve communities, traditional leaders, and religious leaders in the fight against child marriage. We must all work together to ensure that girls are given the opportunity to reach their full potential and have a bright future ahead of them. Let us close the chapter on child marriage and create a better world for our children.
