NGOCC counsels chiefs over early marriages

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–The Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Committee (NGOCC) has implored traditional leaders to play an active role in sensitizing parents and guardians on the importance of the right to education for the girl child.

 

NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale said her organisation has since partnered with traditional leaders who are the custodians of culture to advocate for the girl child’s right to education.

 

ZANIS reports that Ms. Mwale said Zambia is a signatory to the African Union (AU) Protocol on Gender and the African Charter on the Rights of a Child which prohibits early marriages and require all state parties to take affirmative action.

 

“As you are aware, traditional leaders play an important role as custodians of both culture and customs hence the need to involve them in the fight against the vice”, She noted.

She explained that it is imperative that Zambians do not deny girl children their fundamental right to education by marrying them off early .

 

And the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) has noted that lack of education has made the girl child vulnerable to abuse and all forms of exploitation.

 

YWCA National President Lucy Masiye said her organisation has identified strategic partners to enhance the education of the girl child across the country.

 

“We have partnered with FAWEZA, MoESVTEE, MCDMCH and MoGCD in order to make girl child’s education a number one priority”, She said.

 

Ms. Masiye said YWCA has also incorporated traditional leaders in civic education and advocacy in order to reduce the vice.

 

“Traditional leaders have been very supportive in reporting their erring subjects who have a tendency of marrying off their young girls”, she added.

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