HARMONISE LEGISLATION ON THE DEFINITION OF A CHILD,WLSA SAYS

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By Christopher Chisi

The Women and Law in Southern Africa-WLSA has recognised the need to urgently harmonise existing pieces of legislations which define who a child is , in order to help fight child marriages in the country.


Among the legislations which define who a child is in differently ways include ,the Zambian Constitution and Penal Code.


According to the Constitution a child is a person who is 18 years and below while the Penal Code says a child is one who is below 16.


Under the Intestate Succession Act the definition of a child has no age limit while the Education Act also puts a child up to 18 years.


WLSA Project Officer, Matrine Hazyondo has observed that the different definitions of who a child is ,has remained one of the biggest challenges in fighting child marriages.


Meanwhile Mrs Hazyondo said there is need to ensure that parents and guidance are fully engaged on the free education policy because some are still finding excuses not to take their children to school.

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