Sun 08 August 2021:
The United Nations has condemned child marriage in Zimbabwe following the death of a 14-year-old girl who died after giving birth at a religious shrine. Citizens and human rights activists have expressed outrage over the girl’s death.
The practice of child marriage within the apostolic churches of Zimbabwe has been brought to attention by this case. It has also been reported that these churches also allow polygamy.
Governments in this African country have traditionally looked the other way when it comes to child marriage.
It is worth noting that Zimbabwe has two distinct marriage laws, the Marriage Act and the Customary Marriages Act. While there is no minimum age for marriage consent in either of these laws, polygamy is allowed by customary law.
Parliament is currently debating a new marriage bill that seeks to synchronise laws, criminalise marriages of under 18-year-olds, and prosecute anyone involved in the marriage of a minor.
In a statement, the UN in Zimbabwe said it finds it deeply troubling and strongly condemns the circumstances leading to the death of 14-year-old Memory Machaya in rural Marange.
“Sadly, disturbing reports of the sexual violation of under-age girls, including forced child marriages continue to surface and indeed this is another sad case,” the UN said in a statement.
Nearly one in three girls in Zimbabwe get married before turning 18 years old, according to the UN’s office in Zimbabwe.
In addition to the police, the state gender commission of the country said it is investigating the circumstances of the girl’s death and burial.
According to local media, the girl died last month, but her death only came to light last week after enraged relatives, barred by security from attending her burial, told the state-owned press about the incident.
(With inputs from agencies)
