My Age Africa (MAA) recently participated in the review report of the National Action Plan on ending child marriages, held at Cresta Msasa in Harare. This pivotal gathering underscores MAA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating harmful practices against Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) and highlights critical avenues for policy influence and change.
The review offered a crucial platform to scrutinise the efficacy of existing frameworks, particularly in the wake of the 2022 Marriages Act. A stark revelation from the report indicates that only five prosecutions and four convictions for child marriages have been recorded since the Act’s inception. This statistic, while concerning, illuminates significant gaps in policy implementation and enforcement, presenting a clear opportunity for organisations like MAA to advocate for more robust protective measures and accountability.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with MAA’s core mission to champion the rights and well-being of AGYW. The insights gleaned from the review report are invaluable, providing a granular understanding of the challenges that persist in the fight against child marriage. This knowledge empowers MAA to strategically engage with policymakers, offering evidence-based recommendations to strengthen legal frameworks and ensure their effective application.
Further reinforcing this national commitment, CABINET has given its stamp of approval to the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030). This decisive action reaffirms the Government’s dedication to safeguarding children’s rights and fostering a dignified childhood for every child in Zimbabwe. My Age Africa stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the aspirations of this National Action Plan are translated into tangible progress and lasting change.
The journey to end child marriage is multifaceted and requires sustained effort from all sectors of society. My Age Africa remains steadfast in its resolve to advocate for policy reforms, raise awareness, and empower communities to protect their children from this detrimental practice. The participation in this review report marks another significant step forward in our collective endeavor to secure a brighter, safer future for the young people of Zimbabwe.
