Lusaka, Zambia, 10-12 October: The African Union Commission (AU) in collaboration with UNFPA and other partners organized a three-day meeting to evaluate progress of the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage, launched in 2014. With over 151 delegates from 19 member states, the meeting discussed key milestones and initiatives by member states, aimed at improving the health at development of girls affected and at risk of child marriage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 10 October, Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary Ms. Edwidge Mutale highlighted that "since the campaign to end child marriage was launched in 2014, Zambia has recorded a significant reduction in national child marriage prevalance rates, from 42% in 2007 to 31% in 2014". She added that Zambia remains commited to work with the AU and other member states, to address key drivers and consequences of child marriage.

Also speaking at the meeting, AU Director of Social Affairs, Dr. Olawale Maiyegun indicated that the AU will continue to support effective implementation of policies and strategies to address child marriage, including the domestication of the SADC model law to end child marriage.

"We will continue to advocate for member states to prioritize the allocation of domestic resources to the education and health needs of adolescent girls so as to make a real difference in thier lives". Dr. Maiyegun said.

In her closing remarks at the end of the meeting, UNFPA Zambia Representtaive Dr. Mary Otieno reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to work with the AU, African governments, civil society and African young people in the broad-based movement to address child marriage as key towards harnessing Africa’s Demographic Dividend.

"Considering the demographic of our continent with its large component of young people, Africa’s translation of the far reaching, comprehensive and people centered Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development alongside Africa’s Agenda 2063 will manifest in what we collectively do today towards ensuring the realization of young people’s potential especially adolescent girls, for therein lies Africa’s future" Dr. Otieno said.