By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
A Muslim faith-based organization, says it is deeply disturbed by the recent UNICEF revelation that nearly 1.8 million girls in Zambia are married before the age of 18.
Family Development Initiatives (FDI) Team Leader, Sheikh Yusuf Ayami, described the figures as heartbreaking and unacceptable, warning that Zambia risks losing an entire generation of girls to cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.
Sheikh Ayami stressed that child marriage and teenage pregnancy are not only violations of human rights but also major barriers to Zambia’s development, undermining progress in education, health, and economic empowerment.
“With 28% of girls aged 15 to 19 already mothers, urgent and coordinated action is needed to reverse this trend and safeguard the future of Zambia’s daughters,” Sheikh Ayami noted.
He called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, increased investment in girls’ education, and widespread community sensitization to challenge harmful norms and practices.
Sheikh Ayami said reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, and pledged to expand programmes that equip girls with life skills, reproductive health knowledge, and economic opportunities.
“As part of its ongoing efforts, FDI is currently implementing a number of community-based initiatives on Ending Unintended Pregnancies (EUP) and Child marriages, supported by UNICEF, UNESCO, Action Aid Zambia and SIDA,” he said.
He urged religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and government institutions to work together in creating safe, supportive environments where every girl can thrive.
“The true measure of a nation’s strength lies in how it nurtures and protects its children, especially its girls, who hold the key to a more just and prosperous future,” Sheikh Ayami added.
