Statistics from Mchinji District Council indicate that 268 child marriages have been recorded in the district between the months of January and June this year.

The authorities have attributed this to poverty and cultural practices, among other social factors.

Mchinji District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa told Zodiak Online that the figures are alarming and require a multi-sectoral approach.

"Child marriages deter development. Stakeholders need to join hands to address the vice," said Chidalengwa. 

Meanwhile, Girls Empowerment Network (GENET) under NORAD Framework funded Tikwanilitse ndi Kuteteza Maufulu a Ana (TiKuMA) project through Save the Children, has stepped in to address the vice by engaging influential leaders from Traditional Authorities (TAs) Dambe, Simphasi and Mduwa. 

On this, DC Chidalengwa hopes the numbers will be reduced due to the role such leaders play in society. 

GENET Project coordinator Chanda Chirwa said that traditional and faith leaders are key in influencing behaviour change.

"Chiefs and religious leaders command a large following, and their voices matter to the society," said Chanda.

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Dambe has committed to shoulder the responsibility of ending factors fueling child marriages in his area of jurisdiction.

"By-laws have already been established, and anyone who is involved in marrying children risks a penalty whereby he or she will be required to pay a fine of one goat," he said.

The five-year TiKuMA project seeks to combat child marriage, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies, and child abuse in Mchinji and, Balaka districts.