200 GIRLS RESCUED FROM CHILD MARRIAGES IN DEDZA

By Pemphero Malimba

About two hundred girls who got married during the Covid-19 school break in Dedza district have been withdrawn from child marriages. 

Authorities say this has been achieved through coordination among several stakeholders including child protection workers, Chiefs, religious leaders and nongovernmental organizations. 

Official statistics indicate over Three Hundred girls got married during the period of March to July.

Speaking to Timveni, Dedza District Social Welfare Officer Helen Simwaka said the girls withdrawn from child marriages have since been readmitted to school.

In the wake of Standard 8 pupils finishing the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations, Simwaka said her office is leaving no stone unturned as it has intensified counseling clinics to prevent girls from getting married as they wait for exam results.