Breaking the Chains: How We Can End Child Marriage in Zimbabwe – And Why Beliefs Must Evolve

The laughter of children, the promise of education, the freedom to dream – these are the hallmarks of a healthy childhood. Yet, for thousands of girls in Zimbabwe, these fundamental rights are cruelly stolen by the practice of child marriage. It's a devastating reality that traps young girls in a vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, and limited opportunities, effectively ending their childhoods before they even truly begin.

 How We Can End Child Marriage in Zimbabwe

While the causes of child marriage are complex and multifaceted – deeply rooted in poverty, cultural norms, and lack of education – we cannot shy away from addressing another sensitive, yet significant, contributing factor in some communities: the misinterpretation and perpetuation of certain religious beliefs.

The Devastating Reality for Zimbabwean Girls

Child marriage in Zimbabwe remains a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas. Girls as young as ten are forced into unions with older men, often leading to:

• Early Pregnancies and Health Risks: Their young bodies are not ready for childbirth, leading to high rates of maternal and infant mortality, obstetric fistulas, and other complications.
• Loss of Education: Marriage almost always means an end to schooling, robbing girls of their future potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
• Increased Vulnerability to Abuse: Child brides are often isolated, lack agency, and are at a much higher risk of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation.
• Mental Health Trauma: The emotional and psychological toll of a stolen childhood, forced intimacy, and lack of autonomy can lead to lifelong trauma.

Zimbabwe has made progress with its 2022 Marriages Act, which set the minimum age of marriage at 18 for both boys and girls, aligning with the constitution. This is a monumental step, but legislation alone isn't enough; effective implementation and a shift in societal attitudes are crucial.

The Complex Role of Religious Beliefs

While many religious organisation and leaders in Zimbabwe are powerful advocates against child marriage, we must acknowledge that, in some specific contexts, certain religious interpretations or traditional practices within religious communities contribute to the problem.

In Zimbabwe, this issue is particularly prevalent within certain Apostolic sects. Within some of these groups, the marriage of young girls, sometimes as young as 12 or 13, is justified by:

• Misinterpretations of scripture: Texts are selectively interpreted to sanction early marriage, often prioritising procreation or a specific view of female subservience.
• Charismatic leadership: The absolute authority of male religious leaders can override secular law and established human rights principles, making it incredibly difficult for followers to question or defy these directives.
• Perceived spiritual purity: There can be a belief that marrying a young, 'pure' girl brings spiritual blessing or prevents promiscuity, disregarding her rights and well-being.
• Isolation from mainstream society: Some communities operate with limited engagement with wider societal norms, making them less susceptible to external education and awareness campaigns.

It is crucial to state unequivocally: no major world religion explicitly condones child marriage today. However, within the diverse tapestry of religious practice, specific fundamentalist interpretations or culturally entrenched practices, sometimes cloaked in religious garb, tragically continue to undermine the rights of the child.

A Path Forward: Uniting for Change

Stopping child marriage requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses all root causes, including sensitive engagement with religious communities.

1. Strengthening Legal Enforcement and Awareness:
   • The 2022 Marriages Act is a powerful tool. We need vigorous enforcement, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and that communities are fully aware of the legal minimum age of 18.
   • Legal literacy programs are vital, especially for girls, their parents, and local leaders.
2. Empowering Girls Through Education:
   • Keeping girls in school is the single most effective deterrent. Education provides economic alternatives, raises awareness of rights, and builds confidence and agency.
   • Support programs for girls who have left school or are at risk of marriage can provide vocational training and life skills.
3. Community Engagement and Dialogue:
   • Initiate respectful, open conversations within communities, including with traditional and religious leaders, parents, and young people.
   • Challenge harmful norms by highlighting the negative consequences of child marriage and promoting positive cultural values that protect children.
   • Engage men and boys as allies, educating them on the importance of gender equality and the devastating impact of child marriage on their sisters, daughters, and communities.
4. Economic Empowerment for Families:
   • Addressing poverty is key. Providing families with economic alternatives reduces the pressure to marry off daughters for bride price or to lessen the financial burden.
   • Support initiatives that offer women and girls opportunities for income generation.
5. Engaging Progressive Faith Leaders as Allies:
   • Partner with religious leaders and institutions who actively condemn child marriage. They are powerful voices within their communities.
   • Support them in developing and promoting theological interpretations that uphold children's rights and challenge harmful practices.
   • Facilitate interfaith dialogues to share best practices and create a united front against child marriage.
6. Providing Support for Survivors:
   • Establish and support safe houses, counselling services, and legal aid for girls who have escaped or are at risk of child marriage.
   • Provide pathways for them to return to education or gain economic independence.

A Collective Responsibility

Ending child marriage in Zimbabwe, and everywhere, is a collective responsibility. It requires governments to enforce laws, communities to challenge harmful norms, and individuals to stand up for the rights of every child. When it comes to the role of religion, it demands sensitive, persistent dialogue, affirming the power of faith to uplift and protect, rather than to diminish and harm.

Every girl deserves the chance to live her childhood, pursue her dreams, and choose her own future. Let’s work together to ensure that no child in Zimbabwe has her destiny stolen by the shadows of the past.

Now It's Your Turn: Let's Discuss.

This is a heavy but vital topic. What are your thoughts on how we can best tackle child marriage in Zimbabwe? Have you seen successful initiatives in your community or elsewhere that address this issue, particularly involving religious groups? 

Adverts Here

Adverts Here

Welcome To Cathrine James's Blog: Cathrine James is one of Zimbabwe’s top female marketers, with an impressive career and invaluable experience from the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ).

Contact Us through the Chat with WhatsApp widget below.