ABSTRACT

Child marriage remains a pressing socio-cultural and religious issue, particularly in communities where entrenched patriarchal norms and economic constraints perpetuate this harmful practice. This study examines the advocacy and transformative efforts of the late Dora Moono Nyambe in Mapulungwe, Zambia, where her humanitarian work saved approximately 500 female children from the perils of early marriage. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how grassroots interventions can bridge cultural traditions and modern advocacy for female rights. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study incorporates primary data through interviews and testimonies of beneficiaries and secondary data from digital archives and published reports. Hermeneutical analysis and digital content evaluation provide detailed insights into the socio religious frameworks underpinning child marriage and the strategies employed to counteract them. Grounded in the Social Change Theory, the research evaluates the interplay between traditional values and evolving societal norms influenced by advocacy and education. Findings highlight that Dora Nyambe’s initiatives provided not only immediate rescue and shelter for vulnerable girls but also long-term educational opportunities and empowerment, thus disrupting generational cycles of poverty and oppression. Recommendations advocate for sustained community-based interventions, enhanced governmental policies, and strategic use of digital platforms to amplify grassroots efforts globally. This study honors Dora Moono Nyambe’s legacy, emphasizing the critical role of localized leadership and international support in eradicating child marriage and promoting sustainable development for marginalized female children.