ZNMNGD Rescues 11 Girls from Child Marriage in Chongwe, Rufunsa Districts
Subheading: "Zambia National Men's Network for Gender and Development Makes Strides in Ending Child Marriage
LUSAKA, Zambia - The Zambia National Men's Network for Gender and Development (ZNMNGD) has successfully withdrawn a total of 11 girls from child marriages in Chongwe and Rufunsa Districts, writes Winston Mwale.
Nelson Banda, the National Coordinator of the Zambia National Men's Network for Gender and Development (ZNMNGD), confirmed that the latest retrieval involved a 13-year-old girl from Mukulu village in Chongwe District, bringing the total number of girls rescued to 11.
Banda highlighted the significant contribution of the ZNMNGD Boys Network Club, led by Chairperson Phillimon Njobvu, a graduate of Chainda Combined School in Chimbali Village.
Last month, the club successfully retrieved nine girls from child marriages and worked alongside male teachers at the school to persuade the girls to return to their education.
In the most recent withdrawal, a 13-year-old girl was removed from a child marriage to a 16-year-old boy from the same village.
Additionally, members of the Men's Network withdrew a 16-year-old girl from a child marriage in Rufunsa District, further increasing the total number of girls rescued from child marriages.
Banda noted that 20-year-old Philimon Njobu, who received training from ZNMNGD, has gained the support of four traditional leaders due to his impactful work within the community.
These community-based activities, supported by the United Nations Development Program as part of the GRZ/UN joint program against gender-based violence (GBV) phase two, emphasize ZNMNGD's commitment to eradicating child marriage and promoting gender equality.
As the National Coordinator, Banda expressed his satisfaction with the progress made and reiterated ZNMNGD's unwavering dedication to combating child marriage and gender-based violence in Zambia.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with community leaders, educators, and other stakeholders to achieve lasting change and create a brighter future for the girls of Zambia.