By Solister Mogha
Zomba, June 7, Mana: Her Liberty and Girls Activists Youth Organization (GAYO), two non-governmental organizations that advocate for the welfare of youth, particularly girls in Zomba, have commended Senior Group Village Head Mtogolo, under Senior Chief Malemia, for formulating by-laws aimed at protecting girls from various forms of injustice that threaten their rights and wellbeing.
Among others, the by-laws strongly condemn child marriages, prohibits parents from forcing their children particularly a girl child into marriage thereby denying them right to education.
Speaking on Friday at Malemia Primary School where the launch took place, Project Manager for Her Liberty, Kettei Mkwala said the launch of the by-laws was a clear testimony that local leaders under Group Village Head Mtogolo are serious about ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies in their areas.
Mkwala said the set by-laws compliments the organization’s efforts of creating safer environments for youths and a girl child to realize their life goals.
"We are very excited to see that chiefs have taken the responsibility to protect youths and promote the wellbeing of a girl child. For years, we have been working with youths, advocating for free and conducive environment for children,” she added.
The project manager said the by-laws will also facilitate and improve dialogue between parents and their children on issues of sexual reproductive health and child education.
Senior Group Village Head Mtogolo said rising cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies prompted formulation of the by-laws, expressing hope that they will be enforced by all means to protect children in the area.
“We cannot sit and watch our society decaying. Formulation of the by-laws is one step towards addressing a number of injustices that children face in their daily lives,” he said.
Vice Chairperson of Malemia Youth Network, Fabiano Black hailed the chiefs for formulating the by-laws which he said will be enforced to help reducing child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
