My Age Zimbabwe recently participated in a stakeholder meeting coordinated by the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA), and critical issues surrounding the persistent challenge of child marriage were brought to light. The discussion was a reminder of the urgent need to close policy and implementation gaps and to hold duty bearers accountable in protecting the rights and dignity of children.
Stakeholders acknowledged that while progressive laws have been passed to outlaw child marriage in Zimbabwe, there remains a significant gap in aligning existing frameworks and ensuring effective implementation. Many policies still require realignment to reflect the latest constitutional provisions.
However, participants agreed that a deeper understanding of these gaps is needed before action is taken. As such, to engage legal experts, civil society organizations (CSOs), law enforcement, and young people in conducting thorough research and legal analysis. This process would determine whether a strong advocacy issue exists and, if so, how best to mobilize around it.
One of the most pressing concerns raised was the inefficiency of the justice system in handling child marriage cases. Court backlogs and lengthy trial delays were highlighted as serious obstacles to justice. Witnesses, often children and/or vulnerable individuals, are left in limbo, discouraged by the prolonged wait and emotional toll.
In some instances, the passage of time results in the distortion or withdrawal of witness statements, undermining the strength of the cases and the pursuit of justice. This not only affects the outcomes of individual cases but also deters victims and families from coming forward in future instances.
The meeting also shed light on the betrayal of trust by those mandated to protect children. Stakeholders expressed concern that in some cases, the very individuals, be they in schools, homes, or community leadership, tasked with safeguarding children, are the ones committing acts of violence and exploitation. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of child protection systems and the need for urgent reforms to address these institutional failures.
The outcomes of the meeting serve as a powerful call to action. Real and lasting progress against child marriage requires more than laws on paper; it demands coordinated advocacy, judicial efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
