Ngwena, Charles2025-07-112025-07-112025-092024-10*S2025http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103314Mini-dissertation (LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2024.This study critically appraises Zimbabwe’s Marriages Act 1 of 2022 [Chapter 5:15], focusing on its role in combating child marriage. The study examines the legal, socio-economic, and cultural factors contributing to child marriage. It assesses the alignment of the Marriages Act with international human rights standards such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Using the landmark Mudzuru case as a foundation, this research highlights how the Act addresses child marriage under statutory and customary law. It also explores challenges in implementation, including legal pluralism and socio-cultural resistance. The role of NGOs, law enforcement, and community-based organisations in supporting legal reforms and providing assistance to survivors of child marriage is analysed to determine their impact on eradicating this harmful practice. The study recommends improving enforcement mechanisms, addressing socio-economic drivers, and strengthening the legal framework to protect girls' rights in Zimbabwe.en© 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.UCTDSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Child marriageMarriages Act 2022Mudzuru caseHuman rightsLegal reform in ZimbabweMini Dissertationu22965026Disclaimer Letter