Tanzania: Marriage Act Child Marriage Amendments Consultations Begin

• The Tanzanian government is consulting on specific education-related amendments to the Marriage Act to curb child marriage and protect girls' rights.
• Minister for Energy, Dr. Juma Homera, confirmed these consultations are targeted, not a complete overhaul, and cover education from pre-primary through Form Six.
• Plan International Tanzania data shows 29.1% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, highlighting the impact of early marriage on education, health, and economic opportunities.
• Stakeholders advocate for establishing 18 years as the universal minimum age for marriage to support girls' development and align with Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
• Collaborative efforts with organizations like Plan International Tanzania and CAMFED are empowering girls through education, leadership programs, and advocacy against child marriage.

Establishing 18 years as the universal minimum age for marriage is seen as a critical step to bolster girls' education, health outcomes, and economic prospects, aligning with the broader aspirations of Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

The Tanzanian government has commenced consultations on proposed amendments to specific sections of the Marriage Act, signaling a focused effort to address child marriage and bolster girls' rights. These discussions, announced by Dr. Juma Homera, the Minister for Energy, over the weekend in Dodoma, are primarily centered on provisions related to education. The review aims to strengthen child protection measures without undertaking a complete overhaul of the existing legislation.

Dr. Homera clarified that the government's approach involves targeting particular clauses within the Marriage Act for potential revision, specifically those impacting children's education. The scope of this review encompasses educational stages from pre-primary and primary levels through to secondary schooling and Form Six. The Minister emphasized that while a full legislative revamp is not on the agenda, these targeted Tanzania Marriage Act child marriage amendments are crucial for advancing child protection. These developments emerged during a special edition of the 'Sema na Waziri' programme, an event designed to foster dialogue among government officials, development partners, and young women regarding challenges faced by girls and strategies to expand their opportunities.

The urgency of these legislative reforms is underscored by persistent challenges related to child marriage in Tanzania. Ms. Jane Sembuche, Country Director for Plan International Tanzania, highlighted that child marriage remains a significant issue, citing data indicating that 29.1 percent of women aged 20 to 24 who had married did so before reaching 18 years of age. This statistic starkly illustrates the widespread nature of early unions and their profound consequences.

Early marriage severely disrupts girls' educational trajectories, exposes them to various health risks, and significantly curtails their economic prospects. Ms. Sembuche articulated that establishing a universal minimum age of 18 for marriage would significantly benefit girls by fostering their educational attainment, improving health outcomes, and expanding economic opportunities, thereby contributing to the objectives of Tanzania Development Vision 2050. This proposed change to the Tanzania minimum age marriage law is a central component of the broader Tanzania child protection legislation review.

The government's initiative is receiving strong support from various stakeholders committed to Tanzania girls' education legal reforms and child protection. Dr. Homera affirmed the ministry's ongoing collaboration with Plan International Tanzania and other partners to enhance efforts aimed at safeguarding girls and enabling them to achieve their aspirations. He also urged stakeholders to intensify community engagement to combat gender-based violence and provide support to girls facing economic hardship through initiatives that improve their access to financial opportunities.

Ms. Christina Ruhinda, Head of Policy, Strategy and Quality at Plan International Tanzania, reiterated the organization's commitment to working with the ministry. This collaboration seeks to ensure girls participate in programmes that equip them with essential knowledge regarding leadership, legal frameworks, and their fundamental rights. Ms. Anna Sawaki, Executive Director of CAMFED Tanzania, welcomed the government's decision to initiate consultations on the Minister Juma Homera Marriage Act amendments, emphasizing that coordinated action among stakeholders is vital for empowering more girls through education and leadership opportunities. She also highlighted the 'Girls Takeover' campaign, which provides young women like Veronica Kalenga and Jenipha Lucas with practical leadership experience, strengthening their confidence and understanding of governance and the persistent fight against child marriage and teenage pregnancies, particularly in rural areas.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Tanzania should closely monitor these proposed amendments to the Marriage Act, as changes to education-related provisions and the minimum age of marriage could significantly impact family law, child protection cases, and compliance requirements for organizations working with minors.

Source: Original reporting via Tanzanian media.