Opinion by Conrad Gweru
The recent news, as reported by this publication, of a 26-year-old man fatally beating his 9-month-old stepdaughter during a domestic dispute with his 14-year-old “wife” is not just a tragedy—it is an indictment of a society that has lost its moral compass. This incident is nothing more than a reminder that child marriage remains a crisis, robbing girls of their childhood, dignity, and future. What we are witnessing is not a marriage, but an orchestrated abuse of a child who, instead of being nurtured and protected, has been subjected to repeated violations under the guise of matrimony. This girl, now a grieving mother and widow before even reaching adulthood, deserved better.
The 14-year-old, in this case, is not, and never was, a wife. She is a child—legally, emotionally, and physically. Yet, somewhere along the way, society chose to strip her of her rights, assigning her the role of a wife and mother before she could fully comprehend what that even meant. The abuse that she endured was sanctioned, either implicitly or explicitly, by a system that has failed to uphold the rights and dignity of the girl child. Those who presided over this so-called marriage—whether it be family members, religious leaders, or community elders—must be held accountable. The law must answer the question: Who allowed this to happen?
Zimbabwe’s legal framework on marriage is clear. The Marriages Act (Chapter 5:17) and the Constitution prohibit child marriages, setting the legal age of marriage at 18. The Constitutional Court has further reinforced this by declaring child marriages unconstitutional in a landmark ruling. Anyone facilitating, presiding over, or endorsing such unions is complicit in breaking the law and must be prosecuted. The tragic events surrounding this 14-year-old mother and her deceased child are not just the result of domestic violence; they are the consequences of a legally and morally deplorable situation that should never have been allowed to exist.
Every girl forced into marriage is a girl denied an education, personal growth, and a chance to dream. She is robbed of her childhood, pushed into the hardships of motherhood and marital responsibilities while still trying to navigate adolescence. The psychological toll is devastating. Many of these girls suffer from complications related to early pregnancies, heightened risks of domestic abuse, and a life of economic dependence. Their aspirations are reduced to mere survival in an environment where they should be thriving.
Child marriage is a gateway to a cycle of poverty and oppression. It cuts off opportunities, leaving girls with little to no agency over their lives. This is not just a family issue—it is a national crisis that demands urgent intervention.
If we, as a society, allow a child to be called a wife, we have reached a dangerous low. When we normalize the abuse of young girls by calling it marriage, we are complicit in their suffering. The fabric of our society is broken when a 14-year-old is expected to run a household, bear children, and endure domestic violence as though she were an adult. This is not culture. This is not tradition. This is a gross violation of human rights.
The tragedy of this young mother and her deceased child is not an isolated case. It is part of a much larger pattern of systemic failure—one that requires the concerted effort of the government, law enforcement, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders to dismantle. More needs to be done to protect the girl child. Strict enforcement of laws, community awareness, and severe consequences for those who facilitate child marriages must be prioritized.
It is disheartening, heartbreaking, and infuriating that such stories continue to emerge in Zimbabwe. This is never a good read. It is a call to action. If we truly believe in a future where our children are safe and empowered, we must rise against child marriages with unwavering determination. No girl should be a wife. No child should be forced to bear children.
The time to act is now. If we continue to turn a blind eye, we are all complicit in the next tragedy.
Conrad Gweru is a renowned journalist, specialising in communications, policy, and advocacy. He writes in his personal capacity and can be reached via email on cg******@gm***.com or mobile +263788420236
