By Moses Nyirenda, MANA
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Thom Navicha has said some cultural practices are fueling the increase of child marriages in the country.
She made the remarks on Wednesday during the 30th commemoration of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was held at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Navicha (left), minister of gender
Navicha, who was the guest of honor at the function, said her ministry is concerned with the increase of child marriages due to some cultural norms; hence the need of corroborative efforts in order to curb the challenge.
“Government alone cannot manage to address the matter. However, there is need for joint effort between the government, nongovernmental organizations and the public including local leaders,” Navicha said.
She added that her ministry remains committed to making sure that children are completing education and their rights are protected in the country.
The Minister, among other things, also launched a booklet which highlights country’s key achievements and challenges on implementation of the CRC.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Malawi Representative, Rudolf Schwenk said his agency is devoted to assist in promoting rights of the children in the country.
“As UNICEF and other development partners, we are strongly committed to support the Government of Malawi in promoting the rights of children as well as ending child marriages.
“Currently, we are working with various sectors including the Ministry of Health to ensure good nutrition for children and also with the Ministry of Education to make sure that right to education is realized among children,” he said.
On her part, Save the Children Country Director Kim Koch said her organization is also committed to support in diversifying services for children in the country, such as access to education and health services.
The commemoration was patronized by children from various schools and officials from different organizations including UNICEF Malawi, Save the Children and Youth Net and Counseling (YONECO).