By: June Shimuoshii
We often speak about child marriage as though it is simply a cultural or family matter. It is not. It is about a child’s right to determine her own future.
Imagine being 15 and being expected to make a decision that can shape the rest of your life when you have barely had the opportunity to understand who you are.
Child marriage can take a girl away from school, her friendships and her ambitions. It can expose her to early pregnancy, economic dependence and relationships in which she has little power to negotiate her health, safety or future.
But ending child marriage cannot be left to government alone.
Parents must understand that marrying off a daughter does not solve poverty. Traditional authorities must be empowered with information and resources so they can challenge harmful practices within their communities. Teachers must know how to recognise girls at risk. Health workers must be able to provide confidential support. And girls must know that they have people they can approach.
We also need to ask difficult questions about the role of boys and men.
If we only educate girls about the dangers of child marriage but fail to educate boys about consent, equality, respect and healthy relationships, we are addressing only half the problem.
A girl’s childhood should not be traded for financial relief, social expectations or family pressure.
Let her finish school.
Let her discover her talents.
Let her decide who she wants to become.
Namibia’s development cannot be built on girls whose dreams were interrupted before they had the opportunity to begin.
