Joseph Isangura
The Member of Parliament for Iringa Urban, Jesca Msambatavangu made a strong case for amendments to the Law of Marriage Act of 1971.
Speaking during discussions on the 2024 Child Protection Laws Amendment Bill, Msambatavangu urged the government to require parents to care for their children until they reach maturity before considering divorce or starting new families. Her proposal comes in response to the increasing number of children being raised by grandparents, a situation she attributes to parents’ inability to fulfill their responsibilities due to disputes or separation.
Msambatavangu highlighted that the current legal framework often leaves children vulnerable when parents, after separating, prioritize new families over their existing ones. “We need to rethink our marriage laws to ensure that anyone entering into a marriage understands the full weight of the responsibility that comes with bringing a child into the world,” she stated.
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The Law of Marriage Act, enacted over five decades ago, has been criticized for its outdated provisions, particularly regarding the minimum age for marriage and the permissibility of polygamy. Although the law has undergone several amendments, including a landmark 2016 ruling that raised the minimum marriage age to 18 for both boys and girls, many believe further reforms are necessary to protect children’s rights effectively.
Msambatavangu’s call for reform is part of a broader movement within Tanzania’s legislative body to strengthen laws surrounding child welfare. If adopted, her proposal could lead to more comprehensive legal protections for children, ensuring that their needs are prioritized in all family-related decisions.
