Marriage law under review: Govt gathers views on raising minimum age

Dodoma. As human rights activists push for amendments to the 1971 Marriage Act to safeguard girls’ access to education, the government says it is taking steps to complete the reform process.

Currently, the law allows girls as young as 14 to marry with court approval and at 15 with parental consent, in conflict with the Child Law, which defines a child as anyone under 18.

Speaking on Friday, September 12, 2025, during a working session with media editors and the Office of the Attorney General in Dodoma, Tanzania Public Attorneys Association (TPBA) President, Mr Bavoo Junus, said the government is pursuing legal reform, including gathering views from various social groups.

He stressed that several factors must be considered before amending the law, including public beliefs and customs, noting that all groups must participate to reach consensus on proposed changes.

“For cases like this, what I understand is that the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs has prepared a programme to collect public input. Several steps have already been taken, but overall, as legal practitioners, we are making every effort to ensure that drafted laws meet society’s needs through the involvement of all relevant groups,” said Mr Junus.

He added that because marriage intersects with faith and culture, any amendments must be participatory.

“This is not something that can be changed overnight. Our law-making process is inclusive, because ultimately, these laws affect us all,” he said.

Mr Junus also highlighted inconsistencies between different laws, for instance, the Law of Contract defines a child as anyone under 21, the Child Law sets the age at under 18, while the Marriage Act allows girls to marry at 15 with parental consent and 14 with court approval.

He further urged government attorneys to uphold public service ethics, noting that they serve as a bridge between society and the government and must maintain integrity.

The Assistant Director of Legal Coordination and Advisory Services, Mr Ipyana Mlilo, called on government lawyers to act ethically, emphasising their role as intermediaries between the public and the state.

Clouds Media editor, Ms Joyce Sheba, said the session offered an opportunity to engage with government lawyers and gain insights into legal matters, including dispute resolution mechanisms affecting communities.

“In our daily work, we encounter many people needing legal assistance. Since we are not lawyers, we refer them to you for help. Legal support is very important because many people face legal challenges but do not know where to start,” Ms Sheba said.