SOS Children’s village’s firm on Curb Early Marriages:

In a significant stride toward social progress, several countries have been witnessing the positive impact of programs designed to eliminate early marriages and empower young individuals, particularly girls. These initiatives are proving to be game-changers by providing educational opportunities, raising awareness, and altering cultural perceptions.

Child marriage is currently estimated at 29% in Zambia, slight decrease from 31% reported in 2014. High levels of poverty continue to limit access to livelihood opportunities among families, the risk of more children getting married increases as they experience additional vulnerabilities that lead to adopting coping mechanisms such as child marriages.

SOS Children’s Villages Zambia through the Family Strengthening programme in Southern Province, is implementing an End Child marriages campaign targeting Kazungula, Livingstone and Choma districts. The programme plans to reach 2000 children.

SOS Children’s Village Livingstone Family Strengthening Coordinator, Osborne Mutapa noted that the campaign has shown positive strides so far, adding that 8 girls aged between 12 and 14 years old have been retrieved from early marriages in chief Nyawa’s chiefdom in Kazungula District.

He noted that early marriages have long been a persistent concern across various societies, leading to compromised health, limited education, and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

“While the progress is undeniable, advocates emphasize the need for sustained efforts to completely eradicate early marriages. Continued investment in education, health, and community engagement is crucial for maintaining the momentum achieved so far. Additionally, policy changes and legal reforms are being pursued to ensure that the age of marriage aligns with international standards, providing a legal framework to support these initiatives”.

‘’One of the primary strategies of our campaign is to prioritize education. By increasing access to quality schooling and vocational training, young individuals are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for building better futures” he added.

Chief Nkabemba of the Nyawa chiefdom, Gideon Siapenga noted that raising awareness about the adverse consequences of early marriages has been priority in the chiefdom, adding that the coming of SOS Children’s Villages is a plus for them.

“In partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, we have held workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions with parents and children, aimed at highlighting the long-term detrimental effects of early marriages on both individuals and communities. Through these awareness campaigns, perceptions are shifting, and more families are choosing to delay marriages to allow their children to pursue their aspirations” said Chief Nkabemba.

He noted that empowerment lies at the heart of these programs because self-nurturing self-confidence, teaching life skills, and fostering independence, young girls and women are better equipped to make informed choices about their own lives.

14 years old * Carol, testified that her family almost married her off at 13 after she got pregnant but SOS Children’s Villages staff with blessings from the chief intervened and her marriage was put on hold.

Carol has since returned to school and is looking forward to completing her education and become a contributing member in her chiefdom. She hopes to be an advocate of ending marriages.

As a preventing measure of curbing early Marriages, chief Nyawa has put a directive where families have to get clearance from him before marrying off their children