Traditional leaders from Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique have assembled in Chipata, in the Eastern province, to discuss issues related to underage pregnancy and early marriage.
The traditional chiefs in the three nations, who report to Paramount Chief KALONGA GAWA UNDI of the Chewa people, are also exchanging and studying the best ways to prevent child marriages.
Teen pregnancies significantly contribute to school dropouts, according to Eastern Province Permanent Secretary PAUL THOLE, who was represented by Provincial Assistant Secretary CLEMENT CHILEMBO.
The meeting, according to Dennis Lebani, area manager for Plan International’s Eastern Province, has been driven by the province’s rising rates of young marriage and teen pregnancies.
