Community Intervention for the Eradication of Early Marriages in the Municipality Of Bondoukou (Ivory Coast)

Abstract

Preserving the period of adolescence for young girls is an essential action for their development and well-being. When they have the opportunity to study and exercise a profession knowing their rights, the social, economic and political development of their country would be accelerated. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of early marriage compromises the development of adolescent girls. This study aims to explain the mechanisms advocated by the population of Bondoukou in the fight against early marriage. The data collected is based on both qualitative and quantitative surveys carried out in the municipality of Bondoukou. They show that the strategies of local communities rely on the commitment of community leaders. The strategies of the institutional or non-institutional structures result in the creation of a platform and the synergy of the action initiated by the non-governmental organizations, the social center and the security forces. The data also indicates the presence of support structures for victims of early marriage. The schooling and empowerment of young girls and the involvement of victims are appropriate and dynamic solutions for respondents in the fight against early marriage.