Challenge to Law of Marriage Act Allowing Child Marriage in Tanzania
Latest Tanzania civil society news · Challenge to Law of Marriage Act Allowing Child Marriag… explained · updated Aug 20, 2026 · breaking news · latest updates · explained
TLDR
- The Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network is advocating to raise the legal marriage age for girls to 18 years.
- The Law of Marriage Act of 1977 currently allows girls to marry below the age of 18, with court approval as young as 14.
- A youth forum in Dar es Salaam highlighted the need for legal reforms and societal mindset changes to protect girls.
- Irene Ernest from the Children's Dignity Forum emphasized the harmful effects of child marriage and the importance of education.
- Advocate Irene Nambuo stated that marriage responsibilities require maturity, making it inappropriate for children.