The Ministry of Health has raised concern over the growing impact of early child marriages on gender-based violence (GBV), describing it as a deeply rooted issue linked to poverty and the lack of preparedness among young girls entering into marriage.
Assistant Director for Sexual Reproductive Health, Dr. Angel Mwiche, has observed that early child marriage remains a significant contributor to GBV in Zambia. He noted that many girls enter into marital unions before their minds are fully developed and without a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved.
“Most of the young girls get into marriage when their mind is not made up,” said Dr. Mwiche. “This makes them more vulnerable to abuse, and it limits their ability to make empowered decisions within the household.”
Speaking during the Health Pathways to End Child Marriage technical consultative meeting, Dr. Mwiche highlighted the intersection between poverty and early marriages, noting that many of the girls are not economically stable, leaving them dependent and susceptible to exploitation.
“These early unions are often a result of economic hardship. Girls enter into marriage as a survival mechanism, but it only perpetuates cycles of poverty and abuse,” he added.
Meanwhile, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Deputy Representative Anna Holmström commended Zambia for taking steps towards legislative reforms aimed at tackling early marriages. She pointed to the ongoing revision of the Marriage Act as a milestone in protecting young girls from forced or premature unions.
“The revision of the Marriage Act marks real headway in achieving the end of early child marriage,” said Holmström. “Legislation must work hand-in-hand with education, health services, and community engagement to safeguard the rights and futures of girls.”
Stakeholders at the meeting reiterated the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address the social and economic drivers of early child marriage, emphasizing the importance of reproductive health education, poverty alleviation, and legal enforcement.
Zambia remains one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a high prevalence of child marriage, with nearly one in three girls married before the age of 18, according to UNFPA statistics.
As discussions continue, health experts and development partners are calling for sustained investment in girl-centered policies and community-led solutions to dismantle the norms that perpetuate child marriage and gender-based violence.
By Samuel Mbewe
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