MT DARWIN – A disturbing trend is gripping Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, where a surge in child marriages and pregnancies is threatening the future of young girls. One particularly shocking case involves a 15-year-old girl who is alleged to have ten boyfriends, many of whom are significantly older men, highlighting the complex web of issues plaguing the community.
The case, while alarming, is far from isolated. Headman Richard Ngapasare paints a grim picture of the situation, describing instances where girls as young as nine are being married off, often through arrangements orchestrated by their own families.
“They sneak around at night, being taken to men, and the cases only come to light when there is a problem,” Headman Ngapasare explains, shaking his head in dismay. The consequences are devastating, with schools being depleted as young girls are forced into marriage, robbing them of their education and childhood.
“Schools are being left without children, who are all going off to get married. This child is 15 years old but says she has about ten boyfriends. This case is not the only one because there are many others doing the same thing. The reasons are deep-rooted: poverty, especially the issues of large Apostolic churches, and failure to enforce the laws,” he says, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the problem.
Poverty is a major driving force behind these marriages. Headman Ngapasare explains that many families, struggling to make ends meet, see marrying off their daughters as a means of escaping hunger and financial hardship. The desperation to alleviate poverty can lead to families making decisions that ultimately harm their children.
Adding to the complexity of the issue is the influence of some Apostolic churches. Certain members of these churches believe that marrying within their community brings blessings and prosperity, even if it means taking young girls as wives. This belief system perpetuates the cycle of child marriage and contributes to the exploitation of vulnerable girls.
The absence of birth certificates for many of these children further complicates matters. Headman Ngapasare points out that the lack of documentation hinders efforts to prosecute offenders, as it becomes difficult to prove the girl’s age.
“Another problem is that many of the children being abused do not have birth certificates, and the cases are suppressed by family members who should be the ones reporting, so it ends up looking like the police are just wasting time when they are doing their job properly. The most important thing is that the cases are reported,” he says, emphasising the importance of reporting these crimes.
The police face their own set of challenges when investigating these cases. Constable Lazarus Nyemba of the ZRP Mt Darwin’s Victim-Friendly Unit explains that determining the age of the girls is often difficult, requiring costly medical examinations.
“The law is clear — marrying a minor means spending five years in jail, without the option of a fine. But if there is no proof of age, the cases will simply fail to progress,” Constable Nyemba warns, highlighting the importance of birth certificates in prosecuting offenders.
The involvement of some community leaders in concealing these cases is particularly troubling. Chief Kandeya confirms that certain headmen actively help to hide child marriages until problems arise, making it even more difficult to address the issue.
“Parents only reveal child marriages when there is a disagreement in the family over the bride price, but the damage has already been done because the crime has already been committed,” Chief Kandeya explains, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability within the community.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to combat child marriage in Mt Darwin. The “Not in My Village” awareness programme is bringing together chiefs, police, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to address the issue and raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage.
The Sister-to-Sister programme, led by women from the Apostolic church, is also playing a crucial role in educating girls about their rights and encouraging them to stay in school rather than enter into early marriages. This programme provides girls with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Robin Adams, the AIDS Coordinator for Mt Darwin, believes that change is possible, but it requires a collective effort and a shift in societal attitudes.
“Girls need positive role models. They need to know that marriage is not the only option,” Adams says, emphasising the importance of providing girls with alternative pathways to success.
However, significant obstacles remain. Poor road infrastructure makes it difficult for NGOs to reach remote communities where girls are most vulnerable, limiting their ability to provide support and assistance.
Furthermore, many girls drop out of school despite receiving bursaries from the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), lured by the false promise of security in marriage. This highlights the need to address the underlying factors that make marriage seem like a more attractive option than education for these girls.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
