Tanzania sees rise in divorce rates
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- Dr Malasusa pointed out that many couples face marital breakdowns because one partner did not freely choose to enter the union. He was of the view that that many children are pressured into marriage without having the freedom to decide when or whom to marry.
Mwanza. The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, has raised concerns over the rising divorce rates in the country, attributing the problem to one spouse's lack of freedom in the decision to marry.
Dr Malasusa said here on Monday, January 20, 2025, that many marriages are influenced by parental decisions, with cultural traditions granting parents power over certain life choices, including marriage.
Speaking at the opening of a training session for journalists on reporting the effects of child marriage in Mwanza, Dr Malasusa pointed out that many couples face marital breakdowns because one partner did not freely choose to enter the union. He was of the view that that many children are pressured into marriage without having the freedom to decide when or whom to marry.
A report on the State of the National Economy, 2024, states that divorce rates have surged by 93.7 percent from 2022.
The report revealed that in 2023, the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (Rita) recorded 45,455 marriages, a decrease from 51,011 in 2022.
However, divorce figures rose sharply, with 866 divorces registered compared to 447 the previous year.
Dr Malasusa explained that cultural norms often treat children as property, with many African communities naming children after their fathers and perceiving them as their own property. He argued that this traditional view leads to the decision-making power being skewed towards the father, particularly in cases where children are married off or sold as part of marriage negotiations.
“The situation is troubling,” Dr Malasusa stated. “It contributes to a significant rise in divorce rates within our society because one partner is often not in control of the decision to marry. Children are pushed into marriages and lack the agency to make their own decisions about when they want to marry.”
Data from Rita shows that in 2020, 511 divorces were registered across Tanzania, with 221 of those in Dar es Salaam alone.
This figure marks an increase from 442 divorces recorded in 2019.
Speaking about child marriage, Dr Malasusa expressed his concern that it has a damaging impact on the lives of young girls. "Child marriages deprive girls of their potential and future opportunities. We must put an end to this practice and educate parents and children about their rights. When children are informed of their rights, they are better equipped to stand up for themselves and realise that they have a future beyond early marriage," he said.
The Director of Upendo Media, Nang’da Johannes, who also coordinated the training, spoke of the negative effects of child marriage, noting that young girls who marry at an early age lose their educational opportunities and are often trapped in unions devoid of love and respect.
"Child marriage is a challenge faced not only in Tanzania but across many developing countries. Regions most affected include Shinyanga, Tabora, Mara, Dodoma, and Lindi," Johannes said.
"Poverty, coupled with traditional practices, remains the leading cause of early marriages," Johannes added.
"As guardians of children, we assure the public that we will continue to create an environment where affected communities can speak out. We’ve recognised this issue as a serious concern and have launched a project aimed at eradicating it," Johannes affirmed.
The Head of the ELCT’s Sustainable Life and Investment Project, Patricia Mwaikenda, explained that the project, titled ‘No More Endless Sufferings,’ seeks to end the long-standing practice of child marriages in African societies.
"This has been a long journey since the time of our ancestors. That is why the church has said enough is enough. We must prepare a curriculum for teaching religious and cultural leaders, educating children on their rights, and encouraging religious leaders to reject this practice, as they are trusted figures in the community," Mwaikenda said.
Training sessions have already been conducted for trainers from four regions of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, reaching over 30 districts. A curriculum is being developed, with input from four universities: the Islamic University of Morogoro and Zanzibar, St. Joseph University, and the University of Iringa.
As efforts continue, the church remains steadfast in advocating for a future where children, especially girls, are empowered to make their own choices and are protected from harmful cultural practices.
