Sammy Aaron, Executive Director of Action Hope Malawi, highlighted that the prevalence of sexual offenses against young girls among men is largely attributed to a lack of awareness about the law.
Aaron stated to Malawi24 that numerous cases of sexual crimes against children occur when men judge girls based on physical development or appearance without determining if they have reached adulthood.
According to him, the legislation explicitly stipulates that engaging in sexual relations with or marrying a girl under 18 constitutes a criminal offense, yet many individuals remain uninformed about this.
Aaron said that Action Hope will soon start visiting rural areas to raise awareness among communities about the dangers and illegality of marrying or having sex with underage girls.
“Many men commit sexual offenses against children because they only look at physical maturity or breast development and do not ask about age,” he said.
He added that they will be working together with the Zomba District Social Welfare Office and the police to sensitize people about the harms of child marriage and sexual abuse of young girls.
Commenting on the issue, Zomba Police Station Victim Support Unit Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent Naison Chibondo said cases of sexual abuse involving young girls are rapidly increasing in Zomba District.
“Therefore it is important to sensitize traditional leaders and the general public about the dangers and illegality of marrying or having sex with underage girls,” he said.
