Own Correspondent
In Empisini, Ward 14, Mzingwane, early marriages have emerged as a significant concern, driven largely by poverty and challenging economic conditions.
Many young girls are being forced into marriage at a tender age, which deprives them of their childhood and educational opportunities.
Personal Stories Highlighting the Crisis
A poignant account comes from a single mother of five, who shared the struggles her family has faced since their homestead was destroyed by fire. After relocating, her 17-year-old daughter was unable to continue her education due to financial constraints. The mother recounted how she had to plead with the school headmaster to allow her daughter to attend secondary school, but the situation remained dire as the girl often went to school hungry.
The mother explained,
“Other kids knew about our situation and started picking on her, making her school life unbearable.” Eventually, due to the mother’s illness, the daughter had to drop out of school to care for her.
Feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, the young girl chose to marry, stating,
“I was tired of the life we were living and the constant embarrassment.”
Broader Implications
The young bride’s decision reflects a broader trend where economic hardships forces girls into early marriages as a means of escaping poverty. She noted that her mother’s job at a mine provided little financial stability, leading them to rely on piece jobs for basic needs. The mother now fears for her 13-year-old daughter, worried that she might face the same fate as her older sister.
This situation underscores the urgent need for interventions to address the root causes of poverty and to provide support for education, particularly for young girls in vulnerable communities.
Zim GBC News©2024