By Winfrida Kamwana

Mchinji, April 27, Mana: The Ministry of Gender has appealed different stakeholders to join hands in mitigating challenges that affect children’s general welfare.

Speaking during the Mchinji Children’s Parliament session, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Dr Nertha Semphere Mgala said it is by collective efforts that the nation can be able to fight challenges affecting children’s welfare.

“Children are treasures to the nation that is why as a nation there is a need for us regardless of the title or position to take part in ensuring their safety in the communities they are living in,” said Mgala.

Mgala further stated that it is also crucial to give children a platform to discuss issues affecting them as they can bring change to their communities.

During the session, members of the children’s parliament asked questions to different authorities on how they are progressing in addressing some of the concerns that were raised during the previous session which took place in May 2024.

In response to the most raised question on ending child marriages, Executive Director for Girls Activist Youth Organization, Richard Batch explained that their organization has so far ended 37 child marriages since the beginning of the year in the area of Traditional Kapondo and they will continue to fight for children’s rights.

“The organization is working tirelessly to make sure issues such as child marriages are addressed in communities by sensitizing community members on the dangers of child marriages and at the same time helping children understand their rights so they can progress in life,” explained Batch.

He also stated that the introduction of Child rights governance clubs in primary schools will help children understand their rights and have the ability to fight for them when they notice that they are being infringed.

The children’s parliament which was organized by World Vision at Mchinji Boma was set to track the progress authorities have made in addressing issues that were raised during the last time the parliament had a session.