Young girls in Zimbabwe are challenging a harmful tradition known as “Nhanga,” which historically groomed child brides for marriage by teaching them how to sexually please their adult husbands. This practice, once conducted in secluded huts under the guidance of elder women, included lessons on domestic chores, obedience, and marital duties.
However, in Shamva, a new approach to Nhanga has emerged, creating a safe and empowering space for girls to openly discuss topics like sexuality, child marriage, gender equality, education, and legal rights. The initiative aims to empower girls and combat the high rates of child marriage in Zimbabwe, where one in three girls marries before turning 18, deemed a pressing national issue by the United Nations Children’s Fund.
While Zimbabwe and other African countries have outlawed child marriage, deep-rooted cultural norms, poverty, and weak law enforcement continue to perpetuate this harmful practice. Former child bride Samantha Chidodo shared her story of being forced into marriage at 17, highlighting the challenges faced by young brides and the importance of support systems like the Rozaria Memorial Trust.
Through mentorship and education, more girls are embracing the redefined Nhanga concept, with over 200 girls in one village actively participating and schools across the country adopting similar programs. Local leaders are also taking action against early marriage, imposing fines on offenders to support girls’ education and discourage harmful practices.
Despite progress, cultural attitudes remain a barrier, with teacher Enet Tini emphasizing the need for a shift in societal norms to truly address child marriage. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, a U.N. Women executive, underscored the global impact of child marriage, urging a collective effort to empower girls and challenge harmful traditions.
As young mentor Anita Razo advocates, the key to long-term change lies in empowering young girls to influence positive behaviors within their communities, fostering a supportive environment to combat child marriage and promote gender equality.