Harare: Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) and Equality Now have issued a call to action for the Government of Zimbabwe to implement urgent legal reforms aimed at supporting survivors of child marriage. Despite commendable legislative measures introduced by Zimbabwe to prevent child marriage, survivors continue to face significant challenges.According to African Press Organization, the report titled "An Analysis of the Laws and Policies in Place for the Protection and Support of Victims/Survivors of Child Marriages in Zimbabwe: A Case Study for Epworth" provides insights from survivors and civil society organizations in Epworth, Harare. The study highlights poverty, limited access to public services, and inadequate information as underlying factors contributing to high rates of child marriage in the community.The accompanying policy brief identifies legal and policy gaps and recommends reforms to enhance support and protection for child marriage victims. With 34% of girls married before 18, Zimbabwe ranks among the top 20 African countries for child marriage prevalence, despite national and international commitments to combat the issue.Zimbabwe's legal framework, including the 2022 Marriages Act, sets 18 as the minimum marriage age and criminalizes child exploitation. However, outdated policies and inconsistent enforcement hinder effective support for victims. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive support framework and access to sexual and reproductive health services.The National Gender-Based Violence Coordination Forum's efforts are hampered by underfunding and overlapping mandates, affecting the implementation of child marriage laws. The lapse of the National Action Plan on Ending Child Marriage in 2021 further complicates the situation.Dr. Mavis Sibanda highlighted the issue's urgency, noting child marriage perpetuates poverty and limits educational opportunities for girls. WLSA and Equality Now recommend aligning national laws with the SADC Model Law, introducing dedicated child ma rriage legislation, and strengthening property rights for survivors.Sally Ncube of Equality Now stressed the need for comprehensive legal protection and survivor support to empower affected girls. Strengthening implementation and oversight mechanisms is crucial to provide survivors with access to justice, healthcare, and education.
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