Tanzania Moves Towards Comprehensive Marriage Act Reform to Protect Young Girls’ Rights
Dodoma, Tanzania – In a significant step towards protecting children’s rights, the government is actively pursuing amendments to the 1971 Marriage Act to address critical inconsistencies in legal age definitions and safeguard girls’ educational opportunities.
Current legislation allows girls as young as 14 to marry with court approval and at 15 with parental consent, which directly conflicts with the Child Law that defines a child as anyone under 18.
Legal experts are emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to law reform. The proposed amendments aim to align various legal frameworks and protect the rights of young girls.
Key challenges highlighted include:
– Inconsistent age definitions across different laws
– Current legal provisions that potentially compromise girls’ education
– Complex cultural and societal considerations surrounding marriage
Government officials stress that the reform process will be participatory, involving input from various social groups to ensure the proposed changes reflect societal needs and values.
The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs is developing a comprehensive program to collect public input, recognizing that marriage intersects deeply with cultural and religious practices.
“This is not something that can be changed overnight,” said a senior legal official. “Our law-making process must be inclusive because ultimately, these laws affect us all.”
The proposed reforms represent a critical step towards protecting children’s rights and ensuring young girls have opportunities for education and personal development.
