Chiefs want marriage age to be 21

Chiefs gathering in Lilongwe at an international meeting of top officials from Southern and Eastern Africa want government to shift the marriage age to 21 from 15.

Paramount Chief Lundu of the Chewa tribe, who led the other senior traditional leaders during the meeting, said chiefs want to lobby Parliament to increase the age of marriage to 21.

“We immediately outlaw civil and traditional statues that promote early marriages within our communities and jurisdictions. We want the marriage age to be at 21 and a girl child needs to have an opportunity of good education,” said the Chewa chief.

On the same, Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza district disclosed that she already agreed with chiefs in her area to discipline families which marry their girl children before the age of 21.

“Young people in my area, especially girls who want to get married must be approved and their age confirmed by the chiefs,” said the chief.

In her remarks, Minister of Gender, Children and Social welfare, Clara Makungwa acknowledged the chiefs’ efforts on the girl child and assured them of government support in addressing their concerns.