Zambia Positions Itself as Regional Leader in Fight Against Child Marriage
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child marriage through strengthened laws, policies and community-based interventions aimed at protecting the rights of girls.
The pledge was highlighted during a side event titled “Building Resilient Systems to Prevent Violence and Harmful Practices for Women and Girls,” held on the margins of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
The event, co-hosted by Zambia and Plan International, showcased the country’s efforts to tackle child marriage through legal reforms and social protection initiatives.
Zambia’s efforts are supported by a strengthened legal framework that includes the Children’s Code Act, the Gender Equity and Equality Act and amendments to the Marriage Act.
These reforms have been championed under President Hakainde Hichilema, who also serves as the African Union’s Champion for Ending Child Marriage.
Speaking during the event, Beatrice Chilomo said that while Zambia had made notable progress through legal and policy reforms, addressing child marriage requires a shift from protection to empowerment.
She stressed the need to invest in girls’ education, economic opportunities, health and leadership while addressing harmful social norms and strengthening families and communities.
“We must move beyond protection and focus on empowering girls so they can realise their full potential,” Ms Chilomo said.
Meanwhile, Johanne Westcott-Simpson commended Zambia for demonstrating strong leadership in the fight against child marriage through progressive policies, national strategies and strengthened social protection programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Edith Bardel described Zambia as a strong model for the region and beyond.
She said the country’s progress is driven by firm political commitment, evidence-based policies, strengthened social protection systems and collaboration with traditional leaders who are working to outlaw child marriage in their chiefdoms.
Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Chola Milambo emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing the rights of girls.
He noted that collaboration between governments, civil society organisations and international partners is vital to invest in girls’ education, strengthen justice systems and drive positive change in community norms.
Highlighting practical interventions, Barnabas Musonda said Zambia is leveraging its national social protection system under the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Project to identify and support vulnerable households.
He said community engagement and accessible programmes remain critical to addressing economic pressures that often lead to child marriage.
Zambia has made notable progress in reducing the prevalence of child marriage from 29 per cent in 2018 to 23.9 per cent in 2024, although stakeholders say continued efforts are required to eliminate the practice entirely.
Officials say Zambia’s coordinated leadership, strengthened legal frameworks and community interventions are positioning the country as a regional example in the global effort to end child marriage.
