Hon. Minister Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children – Zanzibar (first right) launching a digital film in Mwanza accompanied by the ex-head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (KKKT), Bishop Fredrick Shoo (second left).
In Tanzania, where nearly one in three girls is married before the age of 18, a coordinated effort from various sectors is essential if we are to end child marriage once and for all.
On the last week of August 2024 in Mwanza City, religious leaders, government officials, and community organisations gathered for a significant field visit to showcase the collaborative efforts aimed at tackling child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV).
The field visit demonstrates the power of cross-sector partnerships in addressing child marriage—a deeply rooted issue that violates the rights of thousands of girls across Tanzania. Initiatives driven by local religious leaders, alongside government support, have proven to be a key ingredient in fostering community awareness and advocacy against these harmful practices.
Hon. Minister Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children – Zanzibar (centre), Rogath Lewis Mollel, General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (right), and the host Bishop Oscar Itael Lema of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELVD).
The visit, organised by the East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELVD) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Tanzania and Amani Girls Organisation, involved presentations from religious leaders and government officials such as Hon. Minister Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister for Community Development, Gender, and Special Groups – Zanzibar. A powerful video acted in by Christian and Muslim religious leaders highlighted the ongoing campaigns to end child marriage. Additionally, visits to the bodaboda kijiweni demonstrated innovative ways to involve young men, many of them fathers, in the prevention of sexual exploitation and GBV. Their testimonials provided real-life examples of how these collaborative efforts are making a difference.
Hon. Minister Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister for Community Development, Gender, and Special Groups – Zanzibar (centre), posing for a photo with bodaboda riders in Mwanza.
While these efforts are gaining traction, it’s important to acknowledge that ending child marriage will not happen overnight. Challenges such as deeply embedded cultural norms, lack of resources, and inconsistencies in local enforcement persist. However, as more stakeholders come together and innovative solutions are implemented, the potential for progress is immense.
The field visit in Mwanza is a testament to the transformative power of partnership—where religious leaders, government representatives, and community members stand united in the fight against child marriage. Such initiatives are pivotal in securing a safer and brighter future for Tanzanian girls, ensuring their right to education and freedom from exploitation.
For updates and more information on ongoing efforts, visit our website sematanzania.org/latestnews
This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this text are the sole responsibility of the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of European Union.