Plan International calls for mindset change to hasten child marriage law amendment

Dar es Salaam. Plan International has advised that while discussions on the amendment of the 1971 Child Marriage Law continue, it is essential to educate the public on mindset change and hasten the legal changes.

Plan International Country Director Jane Sembuche made the statement during the launch of the new "Girls Take Over" campaign, which is part of the "Hear Our Voices" initiative.

The initiative aims to amplify the voices of girls and raise awareness of their challenges.

She explained that every year on October 11, they celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to empowering girls and addressing the obstacles they face.

"The law has been widely discussed, but raising community awareness about these challenges is crucial. If the community understands, we will see changes," she said.

According to her, many girls are married off before the age of 18 and security is also a concern, as many girls experience violence.

Thus, she said, raising their voices and urging the authorities to take action is important and that improving access to education and economic opportunities for youths, particularly girls, is essential.

She noted that their voices should not only be heard, but also should influence decisions about their lives.

She explained that the government needs to create policies to support this campaign, and funding should be made available to protect girls' rights as they work towards their goals.

She emphasized that supporting the development of girls should also include empowering boys.

"Although girls and boys are equal, empowering girls helps acknowledge the rights of the latter and the challenges they face," she added.

She also called on stakeholders to join hands in educating and empowering girls, noting the importance of recognizing girls' rights and the struggles they endure.

The "Girls Take Over" movement, she said, encourages girls to take action to bring about social and leadership changes.

Across the globe, she added, hundreds of girls are raising their voices to advocate equal opportunities in leadership and society.

"This Girls Take-Over campaign highlights the strength and potential of girls, empowering them to become more confident and capable," she said.

She noted that as part of the campaign, girls will take on leadership roles such as mayors and other honorary positions to build their confidence and gain experience for their future careers.

“Seeing girls lead in areas where they are traditionally underrepresented breaks stereotypes and opens doors for more girls. The world needs to witness the immense power that comes from empowering girls," she said.

"Hear Our Voices" is the first campaign under Plan International's new three-year strategy, which focuses on youth leadership and engagement.

According to her, their voices have to be heard and acted upon to address challenges such as child marriages and teenage pregnancy.

A 20-year-old girl, Felister Alex, shared her experience, saying, "I have faced a lot of discrimination for being a girl and also for living with albinism."