Chief Zingalume of Chadiza District in Eastern Province has declared that teenage pregnancies and child marriages will not be taken lightly in his chiefdom as they constitute an injustice to the girl child.
This follows a report from the Ministry of Health indicating that Chadiza recorded a minimal reduction in teenage pregnancies and child marriages, from 976 cases between January and July 2025 to 948 cases in the same period this year.
This represents a reduction of only 28 cases.
Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Chief Zingalume said both traditional and statutory sanctions would be imposed on parents who defy the law.
Meanwhile, Child Esnart Phiri of Chadiza District says teenage pregnancies and child marriages are a direct assault on and injustice to the girl child.
She says the girl child continues to be vulnerable in all spaces, including in homes where she is supposed to be safe.
Plan International Zambia Eastern Province Programme Area Manager Dr. Dennis Lembani says girls who face early pregnancies and health complications have limited future opportunities.
He says existing harmful norms and weak enforcement of by-laws continue to expose girls to these risks.
By Samuel Khwawe
