18/09/2026
STOP FORCING A GIRL CHILD INTO MARRIAGE
> Good morning everyone.
> Today, I did not come to entertain you. I came to speak for the girl who cannot speak for herself.
> The girl child is not a burden. She is not for sale. She is not a wife. She is a CHILD.
> When we force a 14, 15, 16 year old girl into marriage, we are not protecting her — we are destroying her future. We are stealing her books and giving her a husband. We are stealing her dreams and giving her suffering.
> Why should a girl who is supposed to be in Grade 10 be in a kitchen cooking for a man? Why should a girl who should be playing netball be carrying a baby on her back?
> Early marriage brings pain — school dropout, teenage pregnancy, fistula, depression, poverty, and even death. It ends her childhood in one day.
> Let us be clear: A girl child has a right to education. A right to health. A right to choose. A right to childhood. This is protected by Zambian law and by God Himself who created her with a purpose.
> Parents, guardians, community leaders — I am begging you. Do not trade your daughter's future for lobola, for money, for tradition. A cow will die. Money will finish. But the curse of a destroyed life will remain.
> And to us the youth — let us speak up! If you see your friend being forced, report it! Tell a teacher, a pastor, a police officer, or call Childline 116. Silence is also abuse.
> Educate a girl, and you educate a nation. Marry off a girl child, and you destroy a nation.
> Let her learn. Let her grow. Let her dream. Let her become a nurse, a teacher, a president.
> STOP CHILD MARRIAGE. Let the girl child be a child.
Thank you.
