Dedza chiefs unite to end child marriages
Traditional leaders in Dedza have united to end child marriages through intensifying adherence of by-laws in the district.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Chilikumwendo said the chiefs are set to mete out stiff punishment to subjects who will break the laws.
“As traditional leaders, we understand the importance of promoting girls’ education through various interventions such as enforcing by-laws to end child marriages. So, we will scale up our efforts in ensuring that communities follow the laws,” he said.
Chilikumwendo said he has summoned five suspected child marriages and will terminate them.
Village head Mkodola said traditional leaders have organised committees in all villages to ensure that child marriages are eliminated.
“We come together to discuss strategies of eradicating child marriages in our communities,” he said.
Mkodola said parents who will marry off their children will be punished.
On her part, Kambirimbiri Ward councillor Mercy Soka commended the traditional leaders for taking proactive action towards ending child marriages in the district. “The traditional leaders’ initiative is a positive development towards ending child marriages. Our goal is to see girls complete their education,” she said.
