Child Marriage Fight Gains Support



Katebe says legislation alone is insufficient without resources for implementation, targeted interventions and budget allocations remain critical

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (16-02-2026) -- The fight against child marriage in Zambia has gained renewed momentum following President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for decisive continental action, with the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) throwing its full support behind the initiative.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that while Zambia has made progress in reducing child marriage, legislation alone is not enough. 

She stressed that the Marriage Act No. 13 of 2023, which outlawed child marriage in both statutory and customary settings, must be backed by resources, targeted interventions, and sufficient budget allocations to be truly effective.

“Child marriage is a serious human rights concern with far-reaching social, health, and economic consequences that Zambia cannot afford to ignore,” Ms. Katebe said. 

She emphasized that districts and communities most affected require urgent prioritization in the 2027 National Budget to ensure meaningful impact.

Zambia has recorded progress, with child marriage prevalence declining from 29 percent in 2018 to 23.9 percent in 2024, yet Ms. Katebe said significant work remains.

She urged the government to fund social and behavioural change programmes, strengthen reporting mechanisms, and provide remedial support for girls already affected.

Ms. Katebe highlighted that President Hichilema’s leadership in his role as African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage signals Zambia’s commitment to continental advocacy. 

However, she insisted that translating high-level commitments into concrete national action requires deliberate investment and implementation at the community level.

“Ending child marriage is not just about laws on paper. It requires resources, programmes, and political will to protect the rights and futures of our girls,” she added.

NGOCC’s support comes as Zambia positions itself as a leading voice in the continental campaign against child marriage, aiming to consolidate gains and accelerate progress toward the complete elimination of this practice.

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