UNEMPLOYMENT FRUSTRATES EFFORTS TO CURB CHILD MARRIAGES

High unemployment levels in rural areas is said to be frustrating efforts in ending child marriages in the country.

This was revealed in Tradition Authority Chimutu area in Lilongwe during an interface with traditional leaders under the Girls Get Equal Project.

Speaking with Timveni, Traditional Authority Chimutu’s Chief Council chairperson, group village headman Mtchoka said lack of job and entrepreneurship opportunities is fueling child marriages in the area.

Despite acknowledging that chiefs are delaying change in ending child marriages, Mtchoka said, "The Girls Get Equal project has imparted chiefs with necessary information in promoting children’s rights by ending the vice." 

The 5 year project is being implemented by Network for Youth Development in the districts of Lilongwe, Mulanje and Phalombe.

In her remarks Network for Youth Development Projects Coordinator Sekanawo Mwatibu applauded chiefs for rendering support in ending child marriages and rape cases.

Mwatibu hinted that chiefs have a huge role in ending the vice as they are custodians of culture.