Raising Voices, Changing Futures: A Young Girl’s Fight Against Early Marriage in Mozambique

By António Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

Meet Esmilda, a bright and determined 15-year-old from Monapo district, northern Mozambique. She’s not just a secondary school student – she’s also a powerful voice in her local Children's Parliament, a group supported by World Vision that empowers children to learn about their rights, speak out, and lead change in their communities.

“Hello! I’m Esmilda and I’m in grade nine,” she says with pride. “In my community, something very sad used to happen. Many girls were getting married too young, still children! But now things are different,” she adds.

Through the Children's Parliament, Esmilda and her peers have been learning about their rights and responsibilities as children. Supported by World Vision, these groups are a safe space where young people can build confidence, ask questions, and lead initiatives that matter to them.

“It’s very important that all children know their rights,” Esmilda explains. “Why? Because if they don’t, they might suffer things like violence or be forced into early marriage. No child deserves that.”

One powerful example of change is Flávia’s story. Flávia, 16, lost her mother and was in an early marriage. But after hearing from Esmilda and the Children’s Parliament about her rights, everything changed.

“We spoke with Flávia and her father,” Esmilda recalls. “We explained children’s rights, and she gained the courage to leave the early marriage. This year, she went back to live with her father, and the best part is that she’s planning to return to school next year!”

This transformation was only possible because young leaders like Esmilda had the tools, knowledge and support to make their voices heard.

World Vision plays a crucial role by establishing, strengthening and supporting local Children's Parliament groups across four provinces where it implements development and advocacy programmes in Mozambique. These platforms give children the space to discuss their rights, raise awareness, and lead projects that protect their peers and promote lasting change.

Thanks to Esmilda, Flávia, and many others, fewer girls are being forced into early marriage and more children are claiming their right to safety, education and a future full of possibility.