In Zimbabwe, a traditional practice known as “Nhanga,” previously used to train young girls to please their adult husbands, is undergoing a significant transformation led by courageous girls fighting back against the oppressive norms. The term “Nhanga,” which translates to “girls’ bedroom,” was historically a secluded space where girls were taught obedience to their future spouses through various rituals and tasks, as described by Thomas F. Johnston in The Secret Music of Nhanga Rites.
However, in Shamva, this practice is being revolutionized, offering a safe and empowering environment for girls to freely express themselves. Anita Razo, an 18-year-old member who now mentors younger girls, shared that within this setting, discussions revolve around important topics such as sexuality, child marriage, pregnancy, gender equality, education, financial independence, and legal rights.
The primary goal is to empower these girls against the prevalence of child marriage, a pressing issue in a country where one in three girls is married off before turning 18, as highlighted by the United Nations Children’s Fund. Despite the legal prohibition of child marriage in Zimbabwe and several other African countries, eliminating this harmful practice remains challenging due to poverty, ineffective law enforcement, and deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs.
Samantha Chidodo, who was forced into marriage at a young age but later pursued education and legal studies, shared her harrowing experience of being thrust into motherhood and marriage prematurely. With the support of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, she overcame societal stigma and became a beacon of change within her community.
The modernized Nhanga initiative has gained momentum, with over 200 girls actively participating in the village and many schools across Zimbabwe adopting its empowering model. Local leaders like Xmas Savanhu are now enforcing strict penalties for early marriage, redirecting fines towards the girls’ education to ensure their future prospects remain unaffected.
While progress is evident, cultural attitudes towards pregnancy and child marriage persist, posing a challenge to the broader societal shift needed to eradicate these harmful practices. Advocates like Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda emphasize the importance of engaging directly with young girls to reshape societal norms and combat deeply ingrained issues such as child marriage.
Razo, the young mentor leading by example, believes that peer influence plays a crucial role in promoting positive behavior among girls, highlighting the collective effort required to bring about lasting change.