Stakeholders set strategies to curb early marriage in Mara region
MARA: LOCAL authorities in Mara region have set strategies to take decisive action to curb the alarming rise of child marriages in the region, which has increased by 55 per cent as per the 2015-16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS).
The Acting District Executive Director of Tarime, Ms Peragia Joel has outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating the crisis including emphasising for education from early childhood.
Speaking during a recent visit by Tanzania Early Child Marriage Network (TECMN), Ms Joel acknowledged the persistent challenge of child marriage but noted a recent decline attributed to the establishment of several local schools.
She said the schools help in disseminating knowledge on the negative implications of child marriage, which significantly hinders the progress of young girls.
“The presence of various organisations advocating for girls’ rights in this region has played a crucial role in reducing both child marriage and female genital mutilation,” she explained.
She added that girls are now receiving education that empowers them to recognise their fundamental rights.
Moreover, Ms Joel highlighted the importance of community outreach programs conducted by social officers to educate families on the consequences of child marriage at the household, district and village levels.
“Education is being provided primarily to parents to ensure that this issue diminishes and ultimately ends in our region,” she added, stressing the goal of nurturing girls who can achieve their educational and economic aspirations.
A representative from TECMN, Ms Neema Abeid expressed TECMN commitment to continue dismantling harmful cultural practices that suppress young girls.
“The abuse of young girls leads to a loss of dignity within the community. As an organisation we will continue to raise our voices against traditions that fuel child marriage, including the harmful practice of female genital mutilation,” she explained.
Abeid further asserted the need for reforms in the Marriage Act of 1971, alongside community education, which according to her are not friendly to girl child and the society in general.
Child marriage remains a significant social concern in Tanzania, adversely affecting the health, education and rights of young girls.
Factors such as poverty, cultural traditions and limited access to education perpetuate this practice. Families often marry off daughters to alleviate economic pressures or secure financial stability through dowries, leading to severe repercussions, including increased maternal mortality and perpetuation of gender inequality.
The TDHS indicates that over 720 million women were married before the age of 18, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
