Poverty, pregnancy pushes young girls into early marriage, Nanso warns
Kavango East learners are reportedly normalising child marriage, with some viewing it as beneficial rather than harmful, a trend driving rising school dropouts among girls.
The warning comes from the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), following recent discussions with learners and school leaders in and around Rundu.
Nanso Kavango East representative Secilia Ambunda said child marriage is rooted in tradition and survival, especially when teenage pregnancy occurs, with marriage often seen as the expected way to “protect dignity”.
“The impact on school attendance and dropout rates among girls is quite high,” Ambunda warned.
She added that many do not return to class once they assume the roles of wives and mothers.
Of further concern is that some girls are reportedly entering unions with significantly older men perceived to be financially stable, making school abandonment a more attractive option for struggling families.
Ambunda stressed that awareness remains dangerously low in some communities and urged government to intensify rural outreach. “Government needs to make it clear that child marriage is a crime and that there are consequences for those involved.”
Too young
According to a 2020 report by Namibia’s gender ministry and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), about 18.4% of girls and 4.1% of boys in Namibia enter marriage before the age of 18.
Although the legal age of marriage in Namibia is 18, the practice continues in some regions and communities.
A local pastor who spoke to Namibian Sun said he has not personally encountered child marriage cases in his pastoral work but acknowledged the need for stronger community education.
He emphasised that awareness campaigns must be “strengthened and accelerated” and called on traditional and religious leaders to work together to protect young girls.
The gender ministry had not responded to questions at the time of publication.
SECURITY: Some young Namibian girls reportedly marry significantly older men for financial stability. Photo: Contributed
