FIRST Lady Mutinta Hichilema has taken a firm stance against child marriage in Zambia, joins in the advocacy to end the practice by 2030 through a series of campaigns.
Joined by chief Mukuni of the Toka Leya, the Queen Mukuni, other royal figures, ministers’ spouses, and supporting partners, Hichilema visited Kazungula Boarding School to launch the campaign.
According to the First lady, Southern Province, particularly Kazungula district, has the second highest incidences of child marriage in the country.
During the visit, Mutinta and her team donated sanitary pads, mattresses, and other items.
She explained that the choice of Kazungula Boarding School was intentional due to the district’s alarming child marriage statistics.
“Child marriage is not just a crime but also a violation of human rights,” she remarked. “Our aim is to create a wealthy, healthy, and worthy future, which can only be achieved if today’s youth are properly guided.”
The First Lady emphasised the critical role of Zambia’s youth in shaping the nation’s future and stressed the importance of safeguarding their access to and completion of the government’s free education programme.
“The youth of Zambia hold the key to the future of our nation. We must work together to ensure continued access to education,” Hichilema stated.
Mutinta committed to continuing efforts to end child marriage and early pregnancies, which have long-term negative consequences for young people.
The First Lady’s visit to Kazungula is the second advocacy campaign in Eastern Province following the first one which was held in Katete District several weeks ago.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Kazungula for the heartfelt welcome today. Together, we can end child marriage by 2030,” Hichilema concluded.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba June 12, 2024
