Forum set to terminate child marriages in Mzimba

Khosolo Women’s Forum in Traditional Authority Khonsolo in Mzimba plans to terminate child marriages to allow the girls and boys to go back to school.

Speaking on Tuesday in the area during a stakeholders’ meeting, Khosolo Women’s Forum director Joyce Mwale said they agreed to meet traditional leaders in the area to end the marriages.

“We will also work with the police on the exercise,” she said.

On his part, Inkosi Khosolo said he supported the idea.

“I will ensure traditional leaders in my area comply with this resolution,” he said.

In a separate interview, Action Aid Malawi Northern Region cluster manager Stonard Madise said they promote children’s rights to education; hence, funding the meeting.

Mzimba South Education Office reported 528 cases of child marriages and 439 teenage pregnancies registered since the closure of schools in March this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Schools reopened on Monday for primary and secondary school examination classes only and for final year students in colleges and universities.