TAMWA-ZNZ demands action against child marriage

ZANZIBAR: THE Tanzania Media Women’s Association in Zanzibar (TAMWA-ZNZ) has called for stronger protection of girls’ rights and urgent action to end child marriage after government statistics showed that 211 girls were among 254 child victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and abuse recorded in the isles in July and August this year.

According to the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS), Zanzibar recorded 295 cases of GBV and abuse during the two months, with children accounting for 254 victims. Girls represented approximately 83 per cent of the child victims, highlighting their continued vulnerability to violence, exploitation and abuse.

In a statement issued by its Communications Unit to mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, TAMWA-ZNZ called for renewed commitment to protecting girls and ensuring they enjoy their rights without discrimination.

This year’s global theme, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!’, highlights the need to protect girls from harmful practices and expand opportunities for their development. The local theme also emphasises making girls’ protection and rights a priority.

TAMWA-ZNZ said child marriage remained a major obstacle to girls’ development, often forcing them out of school, endangering their health, causing psychological harm and limiting their opportunities to participate fully in social and economic development.

The association stressed that protecting girls required coordinated action by the government, families, communities and other stakeholders.

“Protecting girls requires a collective commitment to prevent abuse, strengthen support services and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” the association said.

The association also highlighted the importance of enforcing laws and policies designed to protect children from violence, exploitation and harmful practices.

It cited the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted in 1989 and which came into force in 1990. The convention recognises every child’s rights to life, development, education and healthcare, as well as protection from violence, exploitation and degrading treatment.

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TAMWA-ZNZ further referred to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which provides safeguards against abuse and harmful social and cultural practices, including child marriage. Articles 16 and 21 address protection from abuse and harmful practices, while Article 27 covers protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.

The association called on relevant authorities to strengthen the implementation of child-protection laws, improve violence-prevention measures, provide appropriate assistance to survivors and ensure perpetrators face the law.

It also urged boys and young men to respect girls’ rights and actively challenge violence, harassment and other forms of abuse.

TAMWA-ZNZ appealed to members of the public not to remain silent when they witness or suspect child abuse, urging them to report such cases to the relevant authorities.

“Effective reporting and response systems are essential to ensuring that children receive the protection and support they need, with their best interests guiding every stage of the process,” the association said.

Globally, more than 12 million girls are married before reaching adulthood each year, while approximately 650 million women and girls alive today were married during childhood, figures that underline the scale of the challenge.

TAMWA-ZNZ said sustained investment in girls’ rights, education, healthcare and protection services was essential to preventing child marriage and enabling girls to grow up in safe environments where their dignity, rights and potential were respected.