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ZAMBIA
ZAMBIA
PREVALENCE OF MARRIAGE BY AGE 15
FEMALE
5%
MALE
N/A
PREVALENCE OF MARRIAGE BY AGE 18
29%
3%
Year of data:
2018
Source:
DHS 2018
Year of data:
2018
Source:
DHS 2018
LEGAL AGE OF MARRIAGE
18
18
LOWEST PERMITTED AGE OF MARRIAGE DUE TO EXCEPTIONS IN THE LAW
18
18
Law(s) which govern marriage and/or child marriage:
Children's Code Act 2022, Marriage Act 1964 (amended 2023)
ABOUT THE LAW AND ANY EXCEPTIONS
In 2022, the Children's Code Act No. 12 was passed and this prohibits marriage for anyone aged below 18, in line with the Constitutional definition of a child. In 2023, the Marriage Act was updated to reflect this.
CAN MARRIED OR PREGNANT GIRLS GO TO SCHOOL?
The Education Act 2011 has the right of re-entry to education for girls who are mothers, but no specific provisions are made for girls who are pregnant. The Children's Code Act 2022 makes provision for a child who is married and brought before the court to have their marriage nullified, and to be ordered to return to education.
IS THE COUNTRY A FRAGILE OR CONFLICT-AFFECTED STATE?
No
IS THE COUNTRY ONE OF THE 50 MOST CLIMATE-VULNERABLE STATES?
No
IS IT ONE OF THE 50 COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST RATES OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY?
Yes
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