The Worth of a Girl: ‘I called the police officers’

Mwanahamisi Abdallah, a 15-year-old from Tanzania, escaped an arranged marriage by contacting the police, who intervened to stop the wedding. Child marriage remains prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by social norms and economic factors. Organizations like the United Nations Children’s Fund, World Bank, and African Union are working to combat this issue through advocacy, legal reforms, and educational initiatives. Mwanahamisi now resides in a shelter in Dar es Salaam, receiving vocational training and support from Kiota Women’s Health and Development. Efforts continue to reconnect her with her family while ensuring her safety and future aspirations.

The presidents of Tanzania and Uganda have laid the foundation stone for a crude oil pipeline project linking their two countries. The project materialized after Uganda abandoned an earlier plan to have the line go through Kenya to the port of Lamu. The pipeline is likely to bring big economic changes for the two countries.