In rural Zimbabwe, an ancient cultural practice known as Nhanga, which was once used to prepare girls for marriage, is being reimagined into a tool for empowerment. The Rozaria Memorial Trust has transformed this traditional gathering space into a safe environment where girls and women can discuss issues such as education, sexuality, and economic independence. According to the Associated Press, the initiative supports over 200 girls and is expanding to other villages where mentorship and resources are being offered to those escaping child marriages and hoping to return to school. Despite Zimbabwe’s ban on child marriage, weak enforcement and social norms have prevented its complete eradication. Advocates emphasize that true progress depends not only on legislation but on reshaping community attitudes and empowering girls to define their futures.
Compiled From: Farai Mutsaka, “An ancient tradition is helping girls in Zimbabwe fight child marriages,” Associated Press, Oct. 14, 2025.