Tanzania Activists Push for End to Child Marriage, Aim for Age 18 Legal Limit
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – A growing coalition in Tanzania is intensifying its campaign to end child marriage, advocating for a legal marriage age of 18 for girls. The Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network (TECMN) is pushing for reforms to the 1977 Law of Marriage Act, which currently allows girls to marry at 14 with court approval in certain circumstances.
The network’s efforts come as concerns mount over the lasting impact of early marriage on girls’ education, health, and overall well-being. Activists emphasize that marriage carries responsibilities requiring maturity, both physically and mentally, and is therefore inappropriate for children.
“How can you assign such responsibilities to a child who is supposed to play and go to school?” asked Advocate Irene Nambuo, TECMN Coordinator, during a recent youth forum in Dar es Salaam.
The forum, bringing together young people aged 14 to 24, is part of a broader strategy to involve those most affected by child marriage in the push for change. TECMN plans to engage with religious and traditional leaders, recognizing their influence on societal norms that contribute to the practice.
According to reports, child marriage remains a significant problem in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas, fueled by cultural norms, traditional practices, and economic hardship. Early marriage contributes to cycles of poverty, creating a dependent society and hindering national development, advocates say.
Irene Ernest, Programme and MEAL Coordinator from Children’s Dignity Forum, highlighted the need for a shift in mindset. “There is need to reform the marriage law and for society to change its mindset to protect the girl child for the nation’s benefit,” she stated.
The campaign for legal reform aligns with international efforts to protect girls and promote gender equality. Raising the minimum marriage age to 18 is seen as a crucial step towards empowering girls and ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
