By Flata Kavinga
Zibagwe Rural District Council (ZRDC) Silobela Constituency junior Member of Parliament Ashanty Pfeka has warned that child marriages continue to threaten the future of young people in Zimbabwe, calling for strengthened parental guidance, community awareness and enforcement of child protection laws.
Pfeka made the remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the ZRDC Junior MPs and Councillors Engagement with Senior MPs and Councillors held in Redcliff this week. The meeting brought together young representatives and local leaders to discuss challenges affecting children in rural communities.
Pfeka said child marriages remain prevalent in Zibagwe and other parts of the country, with severe consequences for both individuals and communities.
“A child is anyone under the age of 18, and child marriage means marrying someone who is still under that age. The impact on individuals is dire,” she said.
She warned that girls pushed into early unions face serious health risks, including complicated pregnancies, premature births and maternal deaths due to their bodies not being fully developed. Pfeka also noted that many victims experience school dropouts, emotional distress and abuse.
“Children in these marriages are not mentally, emotionally or physically ready for the responsibilities that come with marriage. This exposes them to depression and gender-based violence, especially when they are married to older partners such as artisanal miners,” she said.
Pfeka added that early marriages derail the long-term development of communities by robbing them of future professionals, such as potential doctors and teachers.
“When a girl leaves school to marry, her prospects are destroyed and the community loses future talent. This contributes to poverty because the child has no qualifications to sustain herself or her family,” she said.
She also highlighted new drivers of child marriages, including social and peer pressure, social media influence, and lack of parental guidance.
“Children are facing pressure from peers and social platforms. Without strong parental control and clear guidance, they become vulnerable to harmful decisions,” she said.
Pfeka further cited gender inequalities, misinterpretation of laws and cultural changes as contributing factors. She emphasised the need for awareness campaigns and accurate information on children’s rights.
“There is a knowledge gap. Some parents and children are not fully aware of the laws protecting minors. We need continuous awareness and education in all communities,” she said.
The Junior MP urged stakeholders—including schools, community leaders and government departments—to intensify efforts to end child marriages through education, empowerment and consistent enforcement of legal provisions.
“We are one of the most educated nations, yet we continue to face this problem. The knowledge we have must be used effectively to protect children,” she said.
The engagement meeting was part of ongoing initiatives by ZRDC to promote child rights, strengthen youth participation in governance and reduce harmful practices affecting minors.
The workshop was funded by Plan International.
