The objective of this research was to assess the impact of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) on reducing instances of early marriage among girls in Isoka District, Zambia. A qualitative research approach was used employing a case study design. The targeted study sample was eighteen (18) participants. Research indicated that factors such as the age at which individuals marry for the first time, the absence of financial support services, and poverty, among other elements, played a significant role in the prevalence of early marriages among girls in the district. The research indicated that the UCZ has a Child Protection Policy and Procedures Manual established in 2016, which provides guidance to church members and stakeholders on how to care for all children and protect them from harmful influences that could hinder their development. The findings of the study suggested that while the UCZ has programs aimed at engaging both boys and girls, as well as reviewing policies affecting women’s lives, the practice of initiating young girls into puberty (chisungu) highlighted that the residents of Isoka District still adhered to traditional patriarchal beliefs and customs. These beliefs often led to the coercion of daughters into early marriages, thereby promoting early marriage among girls. The study proposed that the government should ensure the establishment of recreational and skills training centers in every district to keep young people engaged and help prevent early marriages, particularly for those who have dropped out of school.
Douglas et al. (Fri,) studied this question.