LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ministry of Gender Children Disability and Social Welfare Worry over the Misconduct of some parents, guardians and chiefs for promoting child marriages in the country
Minister responsible Mary Navitcha said despite all the efforts government is doing to protect children from early marriages.
Navitcha observed that some of the parents and guardians including chiefs are taking to their advantage by forcing children to get married before reaching the age of 18 due to their Cultural practices
She said on Thursday in the capital Lilongwe during the opening of the two days National Symposium on Ending Child Marriages.
Navitcha said Poverty and harmful practices are also the contributing factors that influence Child Marriages especially in the rural areas
She said child marriages do not only bring alot of negativities in the lives of children but also hinders sustainable development of the country due to martenal complications
Lydia Fuliwa Country Director for ‘More than Brides Alliance’ (MTBA) said the Symposium is very important because it will help to explore ways and strategies that can help to completely end with child marriages
According to Fuliwa , research shows that several countries are indeed struggling with child marriages therefore it is important to come up with tangible solutions to achieve the battle through such meetings
One of the girls who is attending the Symposium from Chisomo secondary school in Kasungu, Sophie Phiri said indeed the situation is real as many gilrs live in fear because they are the ones experiencing the situation whenever they are forced to get married
She said girls are like the other people who have dreams to achieve and become self reliance as such it is very important for the Government and stakeholders to join hands and protect them despite where they live
The two days Symposium which is taking place under the theme “Taking Stock: Improving efforts to end Child Marriages” has brought together various stakeholders and Students from other parts of the country.
The conference ends today, Friday.