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Early Marriages Fueling Abuses in Machinga

Early marriages are said to be fueling abuses against children and young women in Machinga.

This was revealed on Thursday during a training workshop for watch groups by Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) in Liwonde.

Speaking to Zodiak Online, Project Coordinator for FPAM, Beatrice Banda, said it is an entrenched culture that girls be married off once they come of age.

“It is a culture here that when a girl comes of age they must get married. And for the boys they are expected to find something to do and be independent despite being young,” said Banda.

Banda said they are hoping to get through to traditional leaders to end some cultural practices which are putting children and young women in the district on the verge of being abused.

FPAM is currently implementing a project in the district aimed at ending abuses against children and young women from 10 to 24 years.

President of three watch groups; Mposa, Liwonde and Nsanama, George Mpemba, said children in the district are facing a lot abuses like being raped, being beaten, being forced to drop out from school and being forced to get married.

Mpemba said they have been equipped with knowledge on how they can handle abuse cases in their area.

“We are going to organise various meetings with chiefs, children and parents to enlighten them on various forms of abuse and what to do and where to go in case children have been abused”, said Mpemba.

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