Child marriages rising

MATABELELAND SOUTH – A significant number of girls are being married off
before the age of 18, while some boys are also getting married before their 18th
birthday, it has emerged.

While child marriages remain outlawed in the country, 2022 Zimstat census
unearthed that 133,455 women aged between 20 and 24 years were married off
before attaining the age of 18, countrywide and Gwanda District is not an exception,
It has been noted with concern that child marriages rob girls of their childhood and
threatens their well-being as they deny the girl child her childhood, disrupts and
limits her education, limits opportunities while on the other hand increasing risks of
being a victim of gender-based violence, (GBV).

Addressing stakeholders and members of the community during the launch of 16
days of activism against gender based violence that was held at Stanmore
Secondary School, Gwanda District Development Co-ordinator, Nomathemba
Ndlovu, said girls who marry before the age of 18 are more likely to experience
domestic violence and less likely to remain in school.

In a speech read on her behalf by Sithokozisile Nyathi, an official from the DDC’s
office, Ndlovu said it is disheartening that the issue of GBV and child marriage
continues to be perpetuated against women and children in Gwanda District.

“We note that a significant number of girls are still being married off before the age of
18 and some boys are also getting married before their 18th birthday.

“This is an indication of the magnitude of the challenges that we have as a district.
“While child marriages remain outlawed in the country, 2022 Zimstat census
unearthed that 133,455 women aged between 20 and 24 years were married off
before attaining the age of 18 countrywide and our District is not an exception,” said
Ndlovu.

However, it was also noted that child marriage is actually on the increase with some
cases resulting in the death of young girls while giving birth or due to maternal
complications.

“What is more disheartening to note is that in most of these cases parents or close
relatives are found at the centre either as perpetrators or as facilitators of the abuse.
“It is very worrying to find out that the same parents, who are expected to ensure
protection of the children are becoming perpetrators of violence, thus presenting a
very complex situation in dealing with abuse of minors,” she said.

Speaking during the same occasion, Superintendent Mabhanga, on behalf of
Zimbabwe Republic Police and Women Network, which involves the Victim Friendly
Unity (VFU), said they have been recording an increase in cases of GBV.

“The VFU has been recording an increase in cases of gender based violence against
women and girls in the district, which is very worrisome to the police.

“Women and girls continue to suffer violence in the hands of relatives, neighbours
and strangers.

“I am therefore appealing to the Gwanda community to revert to our good morals of
Ubuntu and begin to treat women and children with love and dignity with due respect
to human rights,” said Supt Mabhanga.

Explaining the objective of the day, Sipho Maphosa, Gwanda District Development
Officer, for the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium
Enterprises Development, said this year’s theme is “Unite, Invest to Prevent Violence
Against Women and Girls”.

Sixteen days of activism against GVB is commemorated the world over starting from
November 25 to December 10.

Out of the 16 days, there are important days such as the International Women
Human Rights Day, followed by December 1 for the World Aids Day then December
3, which is International Day for Persons with Disabilities among other important
days.

The main objective is to remind each other about the effects of GBV.
The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of community members, local
authorities, and dignitaries from Gwanda town, including officials from the Ministry of
Women’s Affairs, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of the Victim-
Friendly Unit, NGOs and other Government ministries.

Dignitaries were treated to song and dance by local artists and poets, who recited
poems befitting the occasion, while the drama group performance by Stanmore
Secondary School students kept many on their toes.

The drama showcased a family man who was brutally abused by his wife and could
not swallow his pride to report the matter to the police.

The decision to hold the event in a rural area seeks to showcase the Government’s
commitment to devolving services to local communities, ensuring inclusivity.

Alarming statistics were shared during the event, revealing that approximately one
in three women and girls worldwide experience gender-based violence.

Factors such as child marriages, cultural and religious beliefs, poverty, and peer
pressure were identified as major contributors to gender-based violence in the
province.