Girls Empowerment Network (Genet) says it has withdrawn 50 girls from early marriages in Mchinji District under the Tikwanilitse ndi Kuteteza ma Ufulu a Ana (Tikuma) Project.
The project seeks to ensure that all children enjoy their right to education and protection through a robust government and community system by 2028, focusing on three pillars of child rights governance, child protection and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
During a media tour on Friday, Tikuma project coordinator Chanda Chirwa described the initiative as a success, highlighting its impact on reducing child marriages and amplifying children’s voices.
She noted that since its rollout, it has registered 24 child marriages with six cases concluded in court.
Chirwa emphasised that various interventions have been initiated to empower community members to become advocates of child rights.
concerns. I Chrispine Msiska
“We have established platforms such as children’s Parliament, which allows children to express their concerns to authorities. We also created mobile courts that have quickened prosecution of child abuse cases,” she said.
Mchinji first grade magistrate Fred Juma Chilowetsa said mobile courts have helped reduce sexual harassment cases involving girls.
“This success is a result of the fear that has gripped perpetrators, considering the punishments imposed on those guilty of child abuse,” he said.
Mchinji district acting director of social and community services Emmanuel Grevazio said Tikuma project has strengthened government institutions and structures, leading to improved handling of issues affecting children.
Standard Five learner Talandira Msiyabande from Kazira Primary School in Traditional Authority Mduwa shared how the children’s Parliament has enabled their voices to be heard.
Mduwa Community Child Participatory Committee patron Davis Willima highlighted the importance of engaging various stakeholders in addressing children’s issues.
The five-year project is being implemented by a consortium of organisations with
