Dr Mavis Sibanda (centre) officially launches the survey report while being assisted by WLSA National Director, Isheanesu Chirisa as Zimbabwe Gender Commission Chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe looks on
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
A Survey Report on child marriages: a Case Study of Epworth, done by the Women and Law in Southern Africa-Zimbabwe (WLSA), was launched on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Harare.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda, officially launched the report on behalf of Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
The survey report was launched during the National Gender Based Violence multi-stakeholder meeting which ran under the theme: “Amplify Voices Against Gender Based Violence.”
Isheanesu Chirisa, WLSA National Director said “the study is zoned into a specific area where the occurrence of GBV manifesting in child marriage is very prevalent.
“As Women and Law in Southern Africa, we conducted a study in a specific area looking at the occurrence of child marriage as well as recommendations which recommendations build up on the work that we are already doing in our respective functionaries.
“I am happy today to say as we launch the findings and the study, we are committing to our commitment to remain anchored on the fight against gender-based violence especially the occurrence of child marriage,” said Chirisa.
She added that child marriages rob the childhood and future of young girls.
“We often hear that the future is female, but with the advent of child marriage in Zimbabwe, we need to be more robust, we need to be more attentive, reason why we are gathered here today with this study.
“I am happy to say that after the launch of the study as Women
and Law in Southern Africa, we will remain seized with the need to fight specifically child marriage especially in Epworth not to say that the occurrence of child marriage is only happening in
Epworth but we have had a realization that in Epworth we have had a lot of young girls who have dropped out of school who are into prostitution, young girls who are having babies,” she added.
It is said WLSA commissioned the survey on the backdrop of continued prevalence of child marriages in Zimbabwe (which has a child marriage prevalence rate of 34 percent), and with a specific focus on the high-density suburb of Epworth in Harare, one of the communities with a high rate of child marriages.
“The study takes stock of the various policies, action plans, legal instruments and other measures put in place to date by the Zimbabwean government regarding child marriage, with a view to analyse their impact and adequacy in facilitating required protection and support of child marriage victims and survivors.
“The study assessed the key challenges faced by the victims/survivors following child marriage, as well as those relating to the implementation of laws, policies and other systems in place.
“It also details the applicable regional and international standards on support and protection to children affected by child marriage and analyses the extent to which local laws and policies mirror these.
“The study also assesses the gaps, opportunities and recommendations for improved support and protection to children affected by child marriages,” read part of the study’s executive summary.
