Early Marriage Research Articles

New perspectives on fighting violence against women.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and, more specifically, violence against women (VAW) are commonly considered a consequence of a patriarchal structure-a social system granting the senior male absolute authority over the family and the community as a whole. Anthropologists have documented that human male dominance is rooted in evolution, with male violent behavior observed among the great apes. Given that evolution is a continuous process, human progress over millennia has modified pre-existing behavior, demonstrating that humans can move beyond ancestral ways of life over time. Precisely because of the imperative to change and improve, at the global international level as well as in individual countries, strong movements are in action to eliminate GBV/VAW. FIGO has been and continues to be at the forefront of the battle for equality, with initiatives that cover many aspects of this, including the imperative to involve men, who-in the majority of cases-are the perpetrators. Since men are often the root of the problem, they must also be at the forefront of the battle to eradicate it. GBV/VAW comprises many facets, including selective female abortion, infanticide, femicide, honor killing, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These deeply rooted forms of violence continue to perpetuate gender inequalities, remain major obstacles to health and societal progress, and violate the most basic human rights.

Trends and risk indicators for high fertility among Nigerian female youth aged 15–29 years: A pooled data analysis

IntroductionNigeria's age-specific fertility rates are highest among the country's youth population, yet little is known about the factors that influence female youth fertility in Nigeria. This study examined fertility trends and risk factors associated with high fertility among Nigerian female youth aged 15 to 29. MethodsWe examined a pooled data from four rounds of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (conducted in 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018). Of the data, 62,713 female youth were extracted for this study. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were employed. ResultsThe results show that 21.5 % of the sample had 3 or more children. Between 2003 and 2018, there was a drop of only 28 live births per 1000 women among the youth. Female youth with less than a secondary education were twice as likely to have 1–2 children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–1.66) and three times as likely to have 3 or more children (aOR = 3.32, 95 % CI = 3.03–3.64) compared to those with a secondary education or higher. Unmarried female youth were 95 % less likely to have 1–2 children and 98 % less likely to have 3 or more children. Additionally, female youth from the lowest-income families were twice as likely to have 1–2 children (aOR = 2.06, 95 % CI = 1.84–1.84) and four times as likely to have 3 or more children (aOR = 3.50, 95 % CI = 3.03–4.05) compared to those from the highest-income families. ConclusionTo control high fertility, significant improvement in education, employment, ending early marriage, poverty and unfavorable pronatalist cultural norms, are required.

Navigating Legal and Cultural Intersections: The Impact of Law on Minority Traditions and Identity

Abstract States should establish in their legislations protective mechanisms which, on the one hand, guarantee the realisation of the rights of the majority and, on the other hand, ensure respect for the traditions, culture and customs of national and ethnic minorities. In Poland there are such guarantees that ensure that minorities can live in accordance with their own traditions and customs, also at the highest normative level. In addition to the legal sphere, one should not forget the equally important sphere of social life, which for some people is even more important. The issue of early marriage in the Roma community is an exemplification of the problem that can be caused by the interference of subject law norms with the centuries-old traditions and customs of a particular national or ethnic group.

Perception of opinion leaders on society’s approach to early marriage: A phenomenological research

IntroductionEarly marriage remains a significant social issue worldwide, particularly in regions where cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors intersect. Understanding the perspectives of opinion leaders, such as neighborhood headmen, imams, and guidance counselors, can offer valuable insights into the prevailing attitudes and practices surrounding early marriage within societies. This study aims to investigate in depth the perception of opinion leaders (neighborhood headmen, imams, guidance counselors) regarding society’s approach to early marriage. MethodsIn this study, a phenomenological design from qualitative research methods was used. The study was conducted with five neighborhood headmen, seven imams, and six guidance counselors. The study’s data were collected through an “introductory information form,” and a “semi-structured interview form.” ResultsAs a result of the synthesis of the interviews, three main themes emerged. In our study, although neighborhood headmen and imams stated that early marriages in the area where they work have decreased compared to the past and are not encountered today, guidance counselors had different opinions on this issue. ConclusionThe findings of this study may contribute to future studies by emphasizing that imams, neighborhood headmen, and counselors should be more proactive in preventing early marriage.

Factors associated with harmful practices of rape and early marriage, legal issues, and challenges in some selected districts in the South Gondar Zone, Amhara region in Ethiopia

Harmful societal practices, like child marriage and rape, are widely prevalent in Ethiopia. The reasons for society's rules are fluid and depend on the socio-cultural orientation of the people. The research aimed to understand the factors that influence early marriage and rape and investigate challenges and legal concerns in the county's gender-based violence laws. The study used a descriptive-qualitative approach with multiple cases. As a method of data collection coupled with a guide, twelve in-depth interviews with local elders, nine key informant interviews with victim women, girls, and parents, and three focus group discussions (one in each district) with law practitioners, harmful practice prevention team members, and gender-based violence officers from the women and children's offices were employed. The study found that high unemployment, distant school placement, cultural norms and values, and economic and social insecurity are the determinants of early marriage and rape. The study recognized challenges in crime investigation, legal and law enforcement issues, corruption, insufficient administration, and information gaps. Moreover, the study recommends creating adequate target-based awareness and capacity building for stakeholders, empowering women and their families, wisely utilizing religious leaders and the elderly, amending the country’s gender-based violence law, and punishing criminals. HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Yosef, G. & Workneh, A. (2024). Factors associated with harmful practices of rape and early marriage, legal issues, and challenges in some selected districts in the South Gondar Zone, Amhara region in Ethiopia. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 185-193. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.2 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Peran Sosialisasi dalam Meningkatkan Kesadaran dan Pemahaman Remaja Desa Jungsemi Tentang Bahaya Pernikahan Dini melalui Bedah Film “Dua Garis Biru”

Marriage early marriage or young marriage is still popular among people today. This condition also occurs in Kecamatan Kangkung, Kabupaten Kendal. According to data from the website of the Badan Pusat Statistik, Kangkung Subdistrict had experienced an increase in the early marriage rate in 2022. The early marriage rate fell in 2023, but there was an increase in divorce cases by 5 cases and divorce by 36 cases. In an effort to minimize early marriage, KKN UIN Walisongo students carried out socialization activities in the form of a film review of “Dua Garis Biru” which was held on July 28, 2024. held on July 28, 2024. The activity was attended by IPNU IPPNU youth, totaling 50 people with an age range of 12 to 24 years. The implementation of the activity begins with a movie review then continues with a review of the audience and the presentation of presentation of material on the impact, factors, and prevention of early marriage. Participation and responses from the audience were also quite good, as seen from the large number of audience who attended and responded during the discussion.

Child marriages in Senegal: Qualitative study on the perceptions of adolescents in Kaolack and Gossas.

An estimated 650 million girls worldwide are married before their 18th birthday. The phenomenon is recurrent in sub-Saharan Africa with a prevalence of 18% and particularly in Senegal where one in three girls is married before the age of 18, i.e. a prevalence of 31%. Despite the legislative and legal arsenals, the laws on the legal age of marriage are not respected. The general objective of this study is to document the way in which gender norms define and influence the perceptions of adolescents in Gossas and Kaolack on child marriages and to collect possible solutions proposed to prevent/ reduce the practice. We used qualitative data collected in the two study sites. These were individual interviews with adolescents aged 10-19 (n=30) and focus groups (n=8) with the same target. The interviews were conducted in Wolof and transcribed into French then coded using Dedoose software. The results are presented for each age group and each gender then triangulated in order to highlight similarities and divergences according to the different perspectives. The results show that child marriages are rooted in patriarchal social and cultural norms, while reflecting gender inequalities. Thus, adolescents' arguments regarding the causes of child marriage align with those described in the literature on gender norms. Most adolescents cited poverty, tradition, fear of early pregnancy, and concern to preserve the girl's honor as the main factors contributing to the persistence of child marriages.

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention in changing knowledge of and attitudes towards early marriage in The Gambia.

A study was conducted to assess the effects of a multi-component community-based project intervention on changing knowledge of, and attitudes towards early marriage for girls in The Gambia. The study involved a cross-sectional household survey of 201 male and female parents and 296 adolescent boys and girls aged 10-19. It also included two community-based focus group discussions and six key informant interviews. The study compared the project baseline and midline data in the analysis of the survey data. The findings show a significant increase from a baseline of (44.8%) to (70.7%) at midline among the parents who have the view that the girl needs to come of age (18 years) before going into marriage. At both baseline and midline, there is a fear that girls may break their virginity by indulging in premarital sex if they do not marry early. However, there was a significant decrease from (51.7%) at baseline to (10%) (p-value <0.001) in the proportion of parents who think girls must marry early to avoid premarital sex. The findings show between (2%) and (7%) increase from baseline to midline on the view among adolescent boys and girls that girls have the right to choose who to marry. Findings from the focus group discussions and key informant interviews directly linked the changes in knowledge of attitudes towards early marriage among parents and adolescents to the project intervention.

Marriage, poverty and inferiority: A qualitative study of the causes and consequences of early marriage among Afghan migrant women in Yazd, Iran

This study investigated the phenomenon of early marriage among Afghan migrant women in Yazd city, Iran. Data were collected using qualitative research method based on interview with 20 participants. The data were analyzed using Grounded Theory approach by employing open, axial, and selective coding and the findings include 13 main and one core categories, which presented in a paradigm model. Findings indicate that early marriage usually occurs in poor families, resulting from the interplay between poverty and gender discrimination. Discriminatory attitudes, women's lack of economic independence, gender division of labor, and unfavorable economic conditions ultimately lead to "lived experience of poverty". Therefore, in a reinforcing cycle, gender inequalities and poverty are aligned, and inequalities are strengthened in all dimensions, reproducing its own social and gender norms which once again reproduce the marriage cycle of poverty and inferiority.

Ending child marriages through young people’s movement building: the case of community champions in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe

Despite efforts made to promote gender equality in all spheres of life, women, especially young girls below the age of 18 years from marginalised African communities continue to face a plethora of challenges such as harmful practises and negative gender stereotypes which hinder them from realising their full potential. Included in these harmful practises is the abhorrent act of child sexual exploitation in the name of child marriages. There are several initiatives by different actors to end child marriages and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Africa Trust (SAT), Zimbabwe is one Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that has made significant strides in contributing towards ending child sexual exploitation. The organisation works to empower adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to define their needs and undertakes various forms of advocacy including awareness raising and direct advocacy with key decision-makers. Interventions contribute to reducing self-stigma that disempowers adolescents and young people from realising their full potential. This article discusses an intervention that SAT has spearheaded in a bid to contribute to the end of child sexual exploitation and the role social workers can play to work with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as SAT in ending child marriages. How to reference using ASWNet style: Mushunje, M., Ismail-Mauto, H. &amp; Mazhambe R. (2024). Ending child marriages through young people’s movement building: the case of community champions in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 207-216. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.4 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Health promotion and health education: Student’s perceptions of early marriage in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Health promotion and health education: Student’s perceptions of early marriage in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Level and factors associated with entry into motherhood among adolescents in a crisis context: Case of internally displaced adolescent girls in Kaya and Kongoussi communes, Burkina Faso.

This study aims to measure the level of entry into motherhood among internally displaced adolescent girls in Kaya and Kongoussi communes, Burkina Faso, and to analyze the factors associated with it. Data were collected from 404 adolescent girls aged 12-19 years in a cross-sectional survey conducted between July and August 2021. The proportion of internally displaced adolescent girls who had started childbearing was 26.5%. Age, marital status and current use of modern contraception were found to be significantly associated with entry into motherhood among internally displaced adolescent girls. Marital status mediates the effect of religion and employment on entry of the adolescents into motherhood. The results suggest that actions aimed at preventing early marriage and improving employment opportunities among adolescent girls could potentially prevent their early entry into motherhood.

Early Marriage Age Trends in Magetan Regency, Indonesia: A Review of 2021-2023

Background: Early marriage is a significant women's reproductive health issue, especially because of its association with the risk of abortion, stunting, malnutrition and infection in infants. The aim of the study was to describe the age trend of early marriage in Magetan Regency from 2021 to 2023. Methods: This type of research is descriptive quantitative with the population of all couples who married in Magetan Regency during the period. The sample of this study included all married individuals with a total of 12,772 people. The main variable was age at marriage. Data were collected through a documentation study of age of marriage reports recorded at the PPKBPP and PA Office of Magetan Regency using a data recapitulation table. Data analysis was conducted with descriptive statistics, in the form of frequency distribution and percentage. Results: The results showed an increasing trend of early marriage in most sub-districts, with a predicted prevalence that tends to increase until the end of 2024. Between 2021 and 2023, the trend of early marriage age in Magetan Regency showed a varied pattern, with some years increasing and others decreasing. The main factors influencing this trend include economic factors, education, and local policies. The impacts of early marriage include challenges in health and education, which require continued attention in mitigation and response efforts. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that there is a need for serious attention to this problem, including prevention efforts through education, counseling, and improving the quality of education and policies to prevent early marriage from the government and related institutions.

Cultural intervention based on "Bhuppa Bhabhu Ghuru Rato" to overcome early marriage in Torjun Sampang

Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Torjun is addressing the high incidence of early marriages, which significantly impact students' education. Data shows that 41 percent of women in Torjun Village marry before 21, leading to issues like low educational attainment, health risks, and economic challenges. To combat this, a cultural intervention program, BHUPPA-BHABHU-GHURU-RATO, was developed in collaboration with partners. The program aims to increase students' knowledge about early marriage and assertive communication, raise parental awareness of early marriage impacts, and provide a curriculum and educational media on the subject. The initiative targets 77 students, 20 parents, 5 school administrators, health center staff, religious affairs office staff, and the sub-district head. The methods include psychoeducation and the dissemination of curriculum and educational media. The program comprises two parts: community empowerment, involving activities for students, parents, school administrators, and government officials, and cadre development, focusing on peer counseling and persuasive communication training. Results showed a 16 percent increase in students' understanding of early marriage dangers, a 3 percent increase in assertive communication knowledge, and a 10 percent increase in parental awareness. The program's sustainability is supported by curriculum integration, the use of educational media, and the Anti-Early Marriage Knights system.

The Role of Stakeholders In Achieving Surabaya Zero Child Marriage By 2024 to Realize Gender Equality

This study aims to analyze and describe the Role of Stakeholders in Realizing Surabaya Zero Child Marriage in 2024 to Achieve Gender Equality. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design. A collaborative network involving the city government, private sector, NGOs, communities, and religious organizations such as Muslimat NU in the city of Surabaya has shown significant results in suppressing the rate of child marriage. Through effective coordination, fair resource distribution, transparent communication, and continuous program innovation, this network has made substantial progress towards the zero child marriage goal. However, there are still areas that require further attention, especially in terms of improving access to resources and strengthening coordination. By continuing to strengthen collaboration and applying lessons from experiences, Surabaya can achieve the goal of completely abolishing child marriage.

Educational exclusion and socio-cultural constraints for tribal women in the Ganderbal district

Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims at understanding tribal females' educational deprivation due to socio-cultural limitations. The study, conducted in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir in 2022, included 30 women. A semi-structured interview schedule and observation method was used to collect data, which was analyzed with Moustakas' modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen phenomenological approach. We identified four themes associated with women's challenges in their communities: (a) poverty, domestic duties, and co-education challenges, (b) cultural and structural barriers, (c) economic exploitation, early marriage, and gender bias and (d) intersection of marginality. Deep-seated cultural norms favoring men's education and relegating women to domestic roles hampered tribal women's access to education. These norms, in turn, resulted in detrimental practices such as child marriage, forced labor, child labor, exclusion from the market, social alienation, exploitation and backwardness, poor decision-making power, and increasing school dropouts. To promote educational inclusion among tribal members, it is necessary to implement National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 fully and make both tribal men and women aware of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural exclusion on their mobility.

Transmission Dynamics of Adolescent HIV is Very Different from Adults: A Longitudinal Study from India.

Behavioral risk factors in adolescents make them vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although it is dissimilar to adults, adolescent HIV is less studied. This study aimed to determine various socio-demographic attributes and transmission dynamics associated with adolescent HIV in order to comment on how they differ from the overall epidemiology of HIV. A record-based, comparative study was conducted using data from adolescents (ALHIV) and adults registered in all HIV centers across the Indian state of West Bengal over four years. The socio-demographic profile and modes of HIV transmission were studied. Transmission dynamics were compared between adolescent and non-adolescent beneficiaries, as well as male and female HIV-positive adolescents. The association of adolescent HIV burden with child marriage and adolescent pregnancy rates was also tested. More than 50% of AL-HIVs were students. While heterosexuality (87.17%) was the commonest route of HIV transmission in adults, parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) (51.69%) and blood transfusions (12.86%) were major routes in AL-HIVs; also, they were significantly more prone to get infected through these routes. PTCT was significantly lower, and transmission by needle syringes was higher in male adolescents than in their female counterparts. Districts with a higher prevalence of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy had a significantly higher burden of AL-HIV. The transmission dynamics of adolescent HIV are largely different from those of adults, with PTCT and sociocultural issues playing significant roles. It is, therefore, essential to design targeted interventions to tackle the unique challenges of HIV in adolescents for more effective and comprehensive campaigns against the pandemic.

Effectiveness of the Puspaga (Family Learning Center) Program in Preventing Early Marriage in Pekanbaru City

Effectiveness of the Puspaga (Family Learning Center) Program in Preventing Early Marriage in Pekanbaru City

Education of Syrian Immigrants in Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon

The Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, caused the migration of more than 6 million Syrians, and this wave of migration affected the region in many ways. Neighboring countries with the highest number of Syrian refugees, especially Türkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan, were greatly affected politically, socially, and economically by this process. War negatively affects the lives of children, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, in many ways. One of these negative effects is undoubtedly the interruption of their education, an important element in shaping their entire lives. This study conducted by document scanning method, has dealt with the access of Syrian children to education in the countries which they migrated to in the context of policies and practices. The importance of non-formal education activities in ensuring access to education for hundreds of thousands of out-of-school children in all three countries was discussed. Language training, catch-up training and vocational training programs should be organized within the scope of non-formal education to meet the educational needs of Syrian children who are out of school due to curriculum and language differences, inadequacy of classrooms, poverty and resulting child labor and early marriage of girls.

Child Marriage Practices in Nepal: A Case of Kailali District

Child marriage in Nepal, a practice deeply rooted in cultural traditions, poses significant barriers to education and has profound impacts on the health and well-being of young girls, highlighting the urgent need for educational interventions to break this cycle and promote healthier life. The objective of this study was to assess the role of education on child marriage and the impact of child marriage on health in the context of Nepal. Specifically, the research concentrates on gathering information on the health status, education status, perceptions and the role of influencing factors on early marriage. The study used a sequential mixed-method design, including questionnaires completed by 125 women married before 18, two focus group discussions with 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls), and quantitative surveys for statistical analysis. This research shows that the role of education plays an important role before and after child marriage and it shows that society functions as the primary agent of socialization for child marriage. Apart from that, poverty, education, gender discrimination, cultural practice and lack of awareness are some of the factors (preventive measures) of child marriage. This study, therefore, seeks to depict the main components of child marriage pointing out the effect on girls’ health that increased risk for death during childbirth including obstetric fistulas, school dropout and domestic violence. This study concludes with possible strategies and programmes that must be implemented by all the representatives for education, raising awareness about women’s health through government and non-government organizations.