“29% OF WOMEN GET MARRIED BY 18”

“29% OF WOMEN GET MARRIED BY 18” By Brian Mwale Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO says about 29 percent of women in Zambia are married by the age of 18. The vice President adds that teen pregnancy rates in Zambia are  estimated at 20 percent. She has cited factors such as high poverty levels and lack of opportunities as being among those influencing the gender dimensions of child marriage. Mrs. NALUMANGO however says the new government has committed to prioritise the ending of Child Marriage. She says government working with national and international partners will continue to ensure the protection of young peoples’ rights, including the prevention of gender-based violence, increasing girls’ access to education, and improving young peoples’ healh and wellbeing. Mrs. NALUMANGO adds that Zambia will continue to champion on ending child marriage at regional level which was launched 2013. She said the current government commits to continuing these efforts as well as accelerating action to increase access to secondary education especially for the girl children, as well as addressing gender-based violence and gender inequality. Mrs. NALUMANGO adds that President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, has upgraded the coordination of gender rights and gender equality to the office of the president from previously being handled in a ministry which she says is a sign of commitment. The Vice President was speaking during a high level event in celebration of the 5th anniversary of the UNFPA-UNICEF global programme to accelerate Action to end child marriage, Eastern and Southern Africa in Lusaka today. She also pledged Zambia’s commitment to the 2030 agenda “to leave no one behind” and to prioritise investment in girls in programmes as the smart choice for the health and prosperity of all nations. JOSHUA JEREOCTOBER 11, 2021015000