Child marriage crisis in Shinyanga: voices from the ground
SHINYANGA: IN the heart of Shinyanga, where traditions often clash with modern aspirations, alarming statistics from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2015- 16 reveal that an irresistible 59 per cent of marriages involve child brides.
Despite efforts to combat this issue, many community members express that education about the dangers of child marriage remains insufficient.
The rise in child marriages, particularly in rural areas, is largely attributed to parents who feel pressured by societal norms and economic motivations to marry off their daughters at a young age.
At Agape Knowledge Open School, a centre dedicated to supporting victims of child marriage and vulnerable children in the Busambilo village of Chibe, the realities are undeveloped.
During a recent visit from the Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network (TECMN), several young women shared their harrowing experiences, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Speaking to the Daily News newspaper one of the young girls at the centre, Emmagrace Juma (not her real name), revealed that many parents in the region still harbour the belief that marrying off daughters is a pathway to financial security.
“In our community, girls are often viewed as economic burdens. However, this perception is fundamentally flawed,” she stated passionately.
Emmagrace herself was a victim of this belief; her parents intended to marry her off for financial gain. Faced with this threat, she fled her home and sought refuge at the centre.
This narrative of desperation is echoed by Amina Mohamed (also not her real name), a 17-year-old who recounted her harrowing experience when she was just 15 years old. Her mother attempted to force her into marriage, seeing it as a quick route to wealth.
Determined not to surrender to this fate, Amina took a brave step and reported her mother to the police.
“I witnessed many girls in my village being married off and I knew I did not want that life for myself,” she explained.
“I felt I had to act quickly to protect myself.” Life at the Agape centre has been a refuge for Amina and her friends, who find comfort in an environment free from the pressures of forced marriage.
“Here, I feel safe and supported,” she said. “The alternative of returning home would mean enduring the same threats of violence and coercion.” John Mayola, the director and caretaker at Agape, emphasised the centre’s commitment to providing psychological support and guidance to the girls.
“Every year, we receive around 57 to 60 children, many of whom are victims of child marriage and teenage pregnancy,” he shared. This year alone, they have taken in three pregnant girls, one of whom has already given birth. “It’s heartbreaking to see such young girls facing these challenges, yet we strive to empower them with knowledge and support.” Mayola highlighted the role of parents in perpetuating the cycle of child marriage.
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“Often, parents use manipulation, convincing their daughters that marrying young is in their best interest. When girls refuse, they face pressure to cohabit with men to become pregnant, making it easier for families to arrange marriages.” He called for government intervention to provide education and resources to combat these harmful practices.
The TECMN delegation, which includes organisations like the Msichana Initiative, Binti Makini Foundation, Plan International, My Legacy, Medea and the Theatre Arts Feminist Group, is on a mission to address these issues in various regions, with Shinyanga being a critical focus.
Their efforts aim to raise awareness and equip communities with the knowledge necessary to break the cycle of child marriage.
Furthermore, such stories shared by these young women serve as a reminder of the urgent need for societal change. As Emmagrace emotionally stated, “Girls should not be seen as a means to end poverty at homes. We have the right to education and to choose when to marry.” Indeed, the voices of Shinyanga’s youth must be amplified. They represent a generation ready to challenge outdated traditions and assert their rights.
With concerted efforts from local organisations, community leaders and government bodies, there is hope for a future where every girl can pursue her dreams free from the shackles of early marriage.
The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the resilience and determination of these young women illuminate a brighter future. As the TECMN continues its journey, the fight against child marriage in Tanzania gains momentum one story at a time.
