Girls Rescued From Child Marriage Lead Campaign Against Practice
The campaign launch is set for August 27, 2024, marking a significant step in Zambia's efforts to combat child marriage and promote girls' education.
CHONGWE, Zambia— In a groundbreaking initiative, nine girls rescued from child marriages in Chimbali village, Chongwe, are spearheading a campaign to end the practice, writes Winston Mwale.
The girls, who formed the Back to School Girls Club, aim to change attitudes and behaviors surrounding child marriage while encouraging education for girls in their community.
"We felt the pain of child marriage, and now we're taking steps to address it," said one of the girls, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
The campaign, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, targets male parents who are seen as key influencers in ending child marriages.
Nelson Banda, National Coordinator of the Men's Network for Gender and Development, praised the girls' initiative.
"This approach is unique because those who have endured the problem are now leading the fight against it," Banda said.
The girls plan to engage in peer-to-peer counseling and lobby political leaders for support through the Constituency Development Fund.
Their efforts build on the work of the Boys Network, which initially rescued them from child marriages and encouraged their return to school.
The campaign launch is set for August 27, 2024, marking a significant step in Zambia's efforts to combat child marriage and promote girls' education.