Imperative Legal, Policy, and Institutional Reforms for Enhanced Support and Protection of Child Marriage Victims and Survivors

Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), with support from Equality Now, conducted a focused study on child marriage in Zimbabwe, using Epworth as a case study. The research examined the country’s laws, policies, action plans, and other mechanisms meant to protect and support victims and survivors of child marriage.

The study aimed to assess how effective these measures are and identify where gaps remain.

This comprehensive survey highlights key challenges faced by survivors of child marriage, especially around the implementation of protective laws and policies. It also evaluates how Zimbabwe’s frameworks align with regional and international standards on support and protection.

The findings point to the need for stronger institutional, legal, and policy responses. The study offers actionable recommendations targeting policymakers and other key stakeholders.

What’s inside the report?

• Policy and legal gaps in supporting child marriage survivors
• Review of the National Action Plan and Communication Strategy on Ending Child Marriages (NAP on ECM)
• Analysis of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1)
• Insights on the Education Policy and Education Act

Who’s it for?

• Lawyers
• Judicial and law enforcement officers
• Law and policymakers
• Academics and researchers in law
• Civil society

Key recommendations

• Fast-track implementation of all pending regulations to fully operationalize the amended Education Act.
• Develop a comprehensive national education policy that explicitly protects the rights of all children, including those impacted by child marriage, ensuring their full access to education.

Download the full report and policy brief