By Wendy Mkandawire
Child Advocacy Centre (CHACE) Executive Director Memory Chisenga has urged parents to play a central role and advocate for change in the fight against child marriages, saying community action is key to protecting children’s rights.
In an interview, Chisenga said the recent rescue of about 200 young girls from early marriages in Nkhotakota District shows that Malawi is still facing major challenges in addressing the vice.
Chisenga stated that while the organization commends the efforts of various stakeholders in rescuing and supporting affected children, the numbers show that more still needs to be done at the household and community levels to ensure young girls are protected.
She said that continued rescues are a clear indication that prevention efforts at the family level remain weak.
Chisenga emphasized that parents play a critical role in shaping decisions that affect children and must lead by example in upholding the law and promoting education for both boys and girls.
She said communities must also take greater responsibility to prevent early marriages and ensure children are not forced into unions.
Child rights organizations and government agencies recently intensified awareness campaigns, rescue operations, and support programs for survivors of child marriage, calling for coordinated action from parents, traditional leaders, schools, and law enforcement to keep children in school and protect them from exploitation.
