By 
Family Development Initiatives (FDI), a Muslim faith-based organisation, has expressed deep concern over UNICEF’s recent revelation that nearly 1.8 million girls in Zambia were married before the age of 18.
FDI Team Leader, Sheikh Yusuf Ayami, described the figures as heartbreaking and unacceptable, warning that the nation risked losing an entire generation of girls to cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ayami stressed that child marriage and teenage pregnancy were not only violations of human rights but also major barriers to Zambia’s development, undermining progress in education, health, and economic empowerment.
“With 28% of girls aged 15 to 19 already mothers, urgent and coordinated action is needed to reverse this trend and safeguard the future of Zambia’s daughters,” he said.
Ayami called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, increased investment in girls’ education, and widespread community sensitisation to challenge harmful norms and practices.
He noted that as part of its ongoing efforts, FDI was implementing community-based initiatives on Ending Unintended Pregnancies (EUP) and Child Marriages, supported by UNICEF, UNESCO, Action Aid Zambia and SIDA.
Reaffirming FDI’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, Ayami pledged to expand programmes that equiped girls with life skills, reproductive health knowledge, and economic opportunities.
He urged religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and government institutions to work together to create safe, supportive environments where every girl can thrive.
“The true measure of a nation’s strength lies in how it nurtures and protects its children, especially its girls, who hold the key to a more just and prosperous future,” Ayami stated.
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