Nhanga: Zimbabwe girls fall back on ancient tradition to fight child marriage practice

The revival of Nhanga, a traditional female-only space historically used in rural Zimbabwe to prepare adolescent girls for marriage, has transformed the practice into a peer-led movement aimed at resisting child marriage. Participants now use the space to openly discuss issues such as teen pregnancy, gender inequality, education, economic empowerment, and the law.

“This is a safe space; every girl feels free,” said 18-year-old Anita Razo, who joined at 14 and now mentors younger participants.

In a white tent with a wooden fireplace at its centre, about two dozen girls in rural northeastern Zimbabwe removed their shoes, sat on mattresses, and began open discussions about sexuality, child marriage, teen pregnancy, gender bias, education, economic empowerment, and the law. The group’s chants of “it’s so nice to be here” marked the start of sessions inspired by Nhanga.

Tradition with a new purpose

Historically, Nhanga was a round, thatched hut where girls were taught obedience, marital duties, and moral lessons, reinforcing patriarchal norms. Today, the model has shifted. According to Nokutenda Magama, programs officer at Rozaria Memorial Trust, the nonprofit behind the revival, “The new Nhanga is a cultural innovation dealing with modern problems.”

Sessions now cover practical skills such as poultry raising, farming, and soap making. Participants are grouped by age, from five-year-olds to women over 35, ensuring appropriate mentorship. Elders, including government officials, are sometimes invited to join.

The initiative comes amid alarming statistics: one in three girls in Zimbabwe marries before 18, according to UNICEF. Rates are similarly high across East and southern Africa, and in central and West Africa, child marriage exceeds 40%, with Niger recording 76% — the highest globally. Although Zimbabwe and other African nations have outlawed child marriage and amended restrictive abortion laws, poverty, weak enforcement, and cultural customs perpetuate the practice.

Samantha Chidodo, now 26 and a final-year law student, exemplifies the program’s impact. Forced into an abusive marriage at 17, she left after two years and, with support from Rozaria Memorial Trust, returned to school and became a Nhanga mentor. Today, over 200 girls in her village participate, and the model has spread to Zambia and Sierra Leone, reaching forums at the African Union and United Nations.

Engaging communities and leaders

To ensure effectiveness, girls have sought the backing of chiefs and village heads, who traditionally enforce local customs. Village headman Xmas Savanhu said offenders now pay a cow as a fine, held in trust for the girl’s education, and are reported to police. Partnerships with NGOs also help young mothers resume schooling.

Despite progress, challenges persist. Teacher and mentor Enet Tini noted that parents often view teen pregnancy or early marriage as indiscipline, punishing rather than supporting girls. Government policies now allow girls to return to school after giving birth, but cultural attitudes remain a barrier.

Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director at UN Women and founder of Rozaria Memorial Trust, stressed that legal reforms alone cannot end child marriage. “It is critically essential to reach the girls themselves, to shift social norms in our communities,” she said, noting that the initiative empowers girls to influence each other positively. Razo echoed this, saying, “If we can pressure each other into behaving badly, then we can also influence each other to act positively.”