Point of Progress rallies communities to end child marriages in Phalombe

Parents and guardians in Phalombe District have been urged to take responsibility for their children during the school holiday period and ensure that they return to school when the second term resumes, amid concerns over child marriages and child labour.

The call was made by Point of Progress Project Officer for Phalombe, Linda Alimoso, during an awareness meeting held at Phweremwe on Tuesday.

Alimoso said parents, traditional leaders and other influential members of society must work together to protect children from child marriages, trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence.

She said Point of Progress, working with partners Plan Malawi and the Centre for Rights Education and Community Concerns (CRECCOM), is using various activities, including a football bonanza, to spread messages on the dangers of child abuse, early marriages and trafficking in persons.

“Parents should closely monitor their children during the holidays and make sure they go back to school once the second term opens,” said Alimoso.

Phalombe Police Station Child Protection Officer, Chipiliro Gomani, warned that police will arrest anyone found initiating or facilitating child marriages.

“We will not hesitate to take action against those involved in child marriages. We are working with relevant stakeholders to address these issues,” said Gomani.

Group Village Headman Phweremwe said he is committed to ensuring that no child is forced into marriage in his area.

Assistant Social Welfare Officer for Phalombe District Council, Stanley Gundeni, said the council, in collaboration with Point of Progress and its partners, is continuing to sensitise communities on the dangers and effects of child marriages.

Point of Progress is implementing the Girls Get Equal project with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) in Phalombe and Mulanje districts.