In Zimbabwe, a traditional practice known as “Nhanga,” historically used to train young girls for marriage and to fulfill their husbands’ sexual desires, is now being redefined by a group of empowered girls in Shamva.
Previously, Nhanga, which translates to “girls’ bedroom,” involved teachings on obedience to husbands and domestic duties. However, the current approach in Shamva provides a safe and open environment for girls to discuss various topics, including sexuality, child marriage, pregnancy, gender equality, education, and legal rights.
This transformation aims to combat child marriage in a country where a significant number of girls marry before turning 18, as highlighted by the United Nations Children’s Fund. Despite the legal prohibition of child marriage in Zimbabwe and other African nations, factors like poverty, lax law enforcement, and deep-rooted cultural norms continue to pose challenges.
Samantha Chidodo, a survivor of forced marriage at a young age, shared her story of resilience and education after breaking free from the oppressive marriage. With the support of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, she overcame societal stigma and returned to school, becoming a role model for other girls in similar situations.
The success of the new Nhanga model in empowering girls has garnered community support, leading to increased participation and replication in schools across Zimbabwe. Local leaders are also taking action against early marriages by enforcing penalties and promoting girls’ education through fines to deter offenders.
Despite progress, cultural attitudes towards child marriage persist, requiring continued efforts to shift societal norms and attitudes. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, a women’s rights advocate, emphasized the importance of engaging girls directly in challenging these harmful practices and promoting positive behaviors within their communities.
In conclusion, the reimagining of Nhanga as a platform for education and empowerment signifies a significant step towards protecting girls from the harms of child marriage and promoting their rights and well-being in Zimbabwe and beyond.
