Traditional Leader Says Free Education Works to End Child Marriages

Chief Mukuni of Kazungula District said the UPND's free education policy will work to combat child marriages, particularly in rural areas.

The traditional leader thanked the government for the policy during a courtesy call from UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla.

Chief Mukuni said he advocated for strengthening family bonds rather than resorting to orphanages where children lack familial connections and values. Approximately 1.2 million people in Zambia are orphans—around 6% of the total population.

Dr. Maalla said that traditional leaders play a vital role in working to end violence against children, especially child marriages. She praised Chief Mukuni for being a champion in ending child marriages in his chiefdom.