21 Child Marriage in Ethiopia -A Matter of Concern Bimal Kanta Nayak, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia ABSTRACT Child marriage is not a strange news for anyone.it is a marriage in which a child under the age of 18 years is involved occur worldwide, but are mainly seen in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Child marriage is a harmful traditional practice that perpetuates an unrelenting cycle of gender inequality, sickness and poverty. Child marriage was the result of ignorance and evil social practice found early civilization of humanity. It was considered more appropriate, socially accepted, recognized and prevalent in the primitive period.child marriage can t be ruled out even in the world of globalization even today in countries like Ethiopia.. There are so many problems associated with child marriage socially, physically, economically, psychologically, etc. A human rights violation, child marriage directly impacts girls education, health, psychological well-being, and the health of their offspring. It increases the risk for depression, sexually transmitted infection, cervical cancer, malaria, obstetric fistulas, and maternal mortality. Their offspring are at an increased risk for premature birth and, subsequently, neonatal or infant death. There are many factors responsible for this practice, the most common ones are poverty, protection of girls, family honor and the provision of stability during unstable social periods, lack opportunities for girls, lack of awareness about the adverse health consequences another big problem is the lack of awareness of the law and also an inadequate implementation of the existing laws. Prevention of child Marriages is imperative not merely from the child and human rights perspective but also in the interest of meeting several national goals and millennium development goals. To stop child marriage, policies and programs must educate communities, raise awareness, engage local and religious leaders, involve parents, and empower girls through education and employment. Successful community interventions, strict enforcement of legislation can also reduce child marriage rates. INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a social situation that unites people in a special form of mutual dependence for the purpose of the founding and maintains a family. Many societies have norms that limit the age of young girls to enter into marriage, but in some cases the age limit does not take into consideration their physiological readiness childbearing. Marriage often takes place at ages much earlier than the legally ratified minimum age. Child marriage is the marriage of children and adolescents below the age of 18 years old.(bruce J.2005). The practice of child marriage is most common in sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia specific parts of West Africa, East Africa and South Asia. Child marriage, in many instances, marks an abrupt transition into sexual relations with a husband who is considerably older and unchosen. The younger a bride is, the larger the age difference between her and her spouse. ( Mensch, Barbara S.1998) It is predicted by the UNFPA that worldwide 100 million girls are expected to marry in the next decade. (UNFPA, 2005). The legal age of marriage in Ethiopiais 18 for both males and females, but it is widely ignored (Central Statistical Authority Ethiopia.2001). Ethiopia is the site of some of the most abusive marital practices, such as marriage by abduction and forced unions between cousins (abusuma). Another harmful practice is female genital circumcision, which affects some 80 percent of Ethiopian women. More than half of circumcisions occur before a girl s first birthday.( Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2000). PREVALENCE OF CHILD MARRIAGE PRACTICES IN ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of early marriage in the world, with one in two girls marrying before her 18th birthday and one in five girls marrying before the age of 15.( Central Statistical Agency,Ethiopia 2006). Ethiopia is home to more than 73 people and 44% of its population under age 15. It is one of the poorest country in the world approximately 81% of its population live on less than US $2 a day and in 2005 life expectancy fell to 49 years (world fact book 2005), mainly due to the growing HIV epidemic. Globally, the prevalence of HIV infections among women is highest from ages 15 to 24; the risk for men peaks 5 10 years later. ( Laga M.2001). In Ethiopia, girls who are married before age 15 are more likely to be illiterate and are less likely to be enrolled in school.(margot M. Kane, Ethiopia: 2006).
22 Map of Ethiopia: marriage in Ethiopia is 18 years old. In Ebinat woreda (district) child marriage of girls is very common and seen as a way to improve their economic status of the family through marriage as husbands often are very much older and financially more secure. Some parents forced their daughters to be married to someone without consulting them. ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE IN ETHIOPIA IS POSSIBLE: According to the essential conditions of marriage (section 2, article 6-16) of the revised family code (proclamation 2000),article 7 specifies the legal marriage age of both boys and girls as follows, neither a man nor a woman who has not attained the full age of 18 years shall conclude marriage. Despite this law the country it is known for one of the most sever crisis s of child marriage in the world. In Ebinat woreda (district, where the present study was conducted) child marriage is of several harmful traditional practices towards woman which are commonly practiced. Due to those induced to identify the cause and some problems and its solutions. Parents often approve of the their daughters being married when they are as young as 10 to 12 years of age, even though the legal age of Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with one in two girls marrying before her 18th birthday and one in five girls marrying before the age of 15.( Central Statistical Agency,Ethiopia 2006). However, prevalence rates vary greatly by region (state) and are often higher than national figures, such as in the Amhara region (state) in northern Ethiopia, where almost 50 percent of girls are married by age 15 (see Figure 1). (Annabel S. Erulkar.2009) Although the Ethiopian constitution explicitly states that "marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses" and the minimum legal age for marriage is 18 for both boys and girls, the laws are not always enforced..(usaid,"child Marriage,2011) Early marriage remains a deeply rooted tradition in Ethiopian communities, perpetuated by poverty, a lack of education and economic opportunities, and social customs that limit the rights of women and girls. Sources by Alexandra Hervish (April 2011). Figure 1: Age at First Marriage or Union for 20-to-24-Year-Old Females by Region Note: Figures are based on the 2005 Demographic Health Survey in which women ages 20 24 reported being married by age 18 and age 15. Sources: Population Council and UNFPA, The Adolescent Experience In-Depth: Using Data to Identify and Reach the Most Vulnerable Young People: Ethiopia 2005 (New York: Population Council, 2009). HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD MARRIAGE: The consequences of child marriage are physically, emotionally, and socially devastating. An analysis of several indicators from the 2005 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Ethiopia (the most recent DHS) shows that marital status greatly influences the sexual experiences and reproductive health of girls and young women in Ethiopia.( UNFPA and Population Council,). With limited autonomy to make decisions and
23 influence sexual relations, married girls face a greater risk of gender-based violence and marital rape. Moreover, young mothers are especially vulnerable to poor reproductive health outcomes, including prolonged and obstructed labor, obstetric fistula, and death.( Population Council, Child Marriage Briefing Ethiopia,2004) Figure 2 :Percent of 15-to-24-Year-Old Females Who Are Illiterate, by Marital Status Note: Figures are based on the 2005 Demographic Health Survey in which women ages 20 24 reported being married by age 18 and age 15. Sources: Population Council and UNFPA, The Adolescent Experience In-Depth: Using Data to Identify and Reach the Most Vulnerable Young People: Ethiopia 2005 (New York: Population Council, 2009). OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: 1. To estimate the current prevalence of early marriage in the study area. 2.To study the socio-economic,educational and psychological factors leading to the consequences of child marriage. 3.To make programmatic recommendation that will help policy makes design interventions to mitigate the consequences of child marriage,. barley, maize, sesame, sorghum, lentils, beans, wheat and potatoes. Map of Ebinat district of Ethiopia METHODOLOGY: Area of the study: The study has been conducted in fine Kebeles( blocks) of Ebinat woreda (district ) in Amhara,Ethiopia. Event woreda is located in the South Gonder administrative zone with elevations ranging from 1800-2150 meters. Ebinat woreda (district):it is located 122 kilometers from Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region and 714 kilometers away from Addis Ababa. Of the 249,427 hectares of land in Ebinat, 62,350 hectares are cultivable and 37,846 hectares are designated grazing lands. According to the 1996 population census, Ebinat has a total population of 259,053 of which 51.3% are male and 48.7% female. There are 35 rural kebeles ( blocks) and 2 urban cables included in the word. 93.8% of the total population reside in rural areas. Livelihoods are predominantly agriculture based, with 97% of the population earning from mixed farming (crop and livestock production), 3.35% of wage labor and 1.25% from petty trading. Crops grown include turf, chickpea, Significance of the study: The researcher expected to give current and timely information about the consequences of child marriage in the area of Ebinat district. The study incorporates large data sets and relevant variables on the consequences of early marriage. This may make some contribution for policy makers and interested researchers by providing information concerning the consequences of child marriage. Field work and Data collection:the field work was carried out in the month November 2012 for a week covering the five cables ( blocks). From five cables found in Ebinat district have totally 18628 women from these population 60 women were selected by random sampling method. It covers 0.322% of the total sample population. And government servants are totally 85 from these population 20 government servants were selected by
24 random sampling method. It covers 0.322%of the total sample population of civil servants who worked in that block. 1. Population and sample distribution of Women Sl.No Kebeles( Blocks) Total population Questionnaire administered M F Total M F Total 1 Gela matebia - 3198 3198-11 11 2 Giman - 3528 3528-11 11 3 Deber - 3725 3725-12 12 4 Selamaya - 4007 4007-13 13 5 Zeha - 4570 4570-13 13 2. Government ( Civil ) Servants Population and sample distribution Sl.No Kebeles( Blocks) Total population Questionnaire administered M F Total M F Total 1 Gela matebia 9 5 14 2 2 4 2 Giman 8 8 16 3 1 4 3 Deber 9 7 16 2 2 4 4 Selamaya 11 7 16 3 1 4 5 Zeha 11 10 21 2 2 4 Data analysis and interpretation: The data have been collected and by employing the interview guide from different sources. The data pertaining to the subject matter was collected from a face to face interview from different categories of people. A set of questionnaires including both close ended and openended questions were used as a tool to gather data from 60 ( 100%) female respondents and 20 (100%) government servants who lived in that Kabul ( blocks ) were properly administered.analysis and interpretation of the data were based on the response obtained from the respondents and the data obtained from the documents of women affairs office. The interview schedule was administered to summarize the prevalence of child marriage, the socioeconomic, educational and psychological factors leading to the consequences of child marriage and the problem faced by victims in their day to day life. Characteristics of responses: Description of the characteristics of the target population gives some basic information about the sample population involved in the study, thus the following tables, contains about the general, educational, economic status and attitude of women and civil servants on child marriage in the study. Table-1: Personal profile Sl.No Characteristics Victims of child marriage Civil servants Frequency % Frequency % 1 Sex Male - - 12 60 Female 60 100 8 40 Total 60 100 20 100 2 Age 11-17 35 58.33 18-24 17 28.33 25-31 8 13.33 32-38 - Total 60 100 20 100 3 Work experience in year 1-4 - - 7 35 5-9 - - 12 60 10-24 - - 1 5 25 above - - - - Total 60 100 20 100
25 4 Attitude towards Child marriage Very good 3 5 - - Good 5 8.3 - - Medium 8 13.3 1 5 Low 18 30 2 10 bad 26 43.4 17 85 Total 60 100 20 100 5 Educational status Illiterate 46 76.6 - - Literate 14 23.4 - - Total 60 100 - - 6 Economic status - - Higher 8 13.3 - - Medium 12 20 - - Lower 40 66.7 - - Total 60 100 - - Child Marriage and respondents: According the personal detail, the finding indicates that all respondents are female, constituting 100 percent. This shows that such female participation in child marriage has been indeed a common characteristic of females who live under the study areas. It happens just because of ignorance, lack of awareness, and relaxed on the existing law of the land in Ethiopia. Child Marriage and age group: With regards to the age of respondents, the majority of the victims belong to the age group of 11-17 year old (58.3 per cent), where are 28.3% percent of respondents come under the age group of 18 24 and 13.35 per cent of respondents are from 25-31 age group. Regarding the government servant's response, it shows that 12 (60 percent) of respondents are male and the rest 8 (40 percent) of them are female. This shows that male participation in the study area is greater than female. An attitude on child marriage: The majority of women themselves 26 (43.4 percent) opine that child marriage is a bad habit Hence the attitude of women towards child marriage has a negative effect on the family as well as in the community. The attitude of government servants towards child marriage 17 ( 85 percent) feels that child marriage is a bad habit, others 2 ( 10 per cent ) of respondents feel low and 1 ( 5 per cent ) are of medium opinion about the child marries. Child Marriage and female Education : Education is very important of every one for every purpose. The study shows that a large portion of victims 40 ( 66.7 per cent ) has lower economic status, 12 ( 20 per cent ) of women have medium economic status and 8 ( 13.3 per cent) of women belonging to a higher economic status. In Ethiopia s Amhara region, girls face tremendous challenges. Poverty plays a central role in causing and perpetuating early marriage. Table:2 Distribution of the sample based on child marriage and its consequences Sl.N Question and responses Women victims 1 Whether child marriage affects health status Yes 15 75 No 3 15 No response 2 10 Total 20 100 2 Whether child marriage accepted Yes 15 25 No 43 71 No response 2 3.4 Total 60 100 3 Whether child marriage affects economic status Yes 39 65 No 14 23.4 No response 7 11.6 Total 60 100 4 Whether child marriage affects education status
26 Yes 41 68.3 No 13 21.7 No response 6 10 Total 60 100 5 Whether child marriage affects health status Yes 37 61.6 No 23 38.4 Total 60 100 6 Civil servants Is child marriage accepted by you Yes - - No 20 100 7 Total 20 100 Whether child marriage affects economic status Yes 17 85 No 3 15 8 Total 20 100 Whether child marriage affects education status Yes 18 90 No 2 10 Total 20 100 Child marriages and health status: A health problem is the one of the main problems of any one. Health problems can be caused by many factors. So far as the child marriage is concerned, 37 ( 61. 6 per cent) of women feel that child marriage leads to poor health.and 23 ( 38.4 per cent) of victims do not realize that a health problem is caused by child marriage. But 15 ( 75 per cent ) of government official feel that health of the victim is affected by the child marriage, whereas only 3 ( 15 per cent) of the government official do not agree. And 2 ( 10 per cent ) of them gave no response to it. Victims of child marriage suffer from a multitude of physical, psychological, economic and social harms. As they haven t achieved full maturity, they are not ready psychologically and physically to be wives and mother. Child marriage and social acceptance: Child marriage and social acceptance: The above table shows that majority 43 (71 percent) of women has a negative attitude towards child marriage, whereas 15 ( 25 per cent ) of women have positive thinking about the child marries. But 20 (100 percent) of the government official express negative attitude towards the child marriage. So, child marriage is not accepted officially but being practiced traditionally especially in rural areas in Ethiopia and Ethiopian law of child marriage remains silent in rural areas. Child marriages and economic status: 39 ( 65 per cent ) of victims say that child marriage is the one of the main causes of economic deterioration in the family, leading to poverty,where as 14 ( 23.4 percent ) are of the opinion that child marriage has nothing to do with family economic status.and. 17 (85 per cent) of the government servant say that child marriage is one of the main causes, deteriorating economic status of the victim's family, whereas only 3 ( 15 per cent ) of respondents from government official deny to it. Child marriages and educational status: The majority of women 41 (68.3 per cent) believes that child marriage is the cause of affecting the educational status of females, where are the 13 ( 21.7 per cent) of respondents deny it. And majority of government servants 18 (90 per cent) is of the opinion that child marriage affects the health of victim women of child marriage, where are only 2 ( 10 per cent) of government officials disagree with it. Table.3. Response based on the level of child marriage awareness Sl.No Factors Women Government servants Frequency Per cent Frequency Per cent 1 Low level of awareness towards 56 93.3 19 95 the influence of child marriage 2 Marriage with kinship 43 71.6 17 85 poor economic status of women 39 65 18 90 3 Gender inequality 28 46.7 20 100
27 Based on the above factors 56 (93.3 per cent) of the victims women and 19 (95 per cent) of government servants respondents claimed that the low level of awareness influence to child marriage. The other factor suggested that 43 (71.6 per cent) of respondents for Child marriage with kinship, whereas 17 (85 per cent) government servant express the same feelings as the victims. Factors of child marriage suffers from the poor economic status of women this was the responses 39 ( 65 percent0 of women and 18 ( 90 per cent ) of government servants. Gender inequality is another suggested factors the consequences of child marriage, which was the responses 28 ( 46. 7 per cent ) of women and 20 ( 100 per cent ) of government servants of the respondents that there is gender inequality in the child marries. DISCUSION: In this study 100 percent of female were seen and the age distribution of the study population included virtually all age gropus but relatively larger frequency ( 58.33) was seen among within the age range of 11 to17.with regards the child marriage,low awareness of society about the influence of child marriage found to be one of the major factors and. Lack of economical supply is one the major problem influencing women s in child marriage. The study shows that 61.6 per cent of child marriage victims face health and psychological problem. They undergo with a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The study also indicates that majority of the society (71 percent) accepts the practice of child marriage as an important in Ethiopia.. Poverty plays a central role in causing and perpetuating child marriage. In the study, it is found that all women are not treated equally in education (68.3 per cent) in their family and community. Most of the girls engaged in marriage at an early age are either deprived of their right to join a school or obliged to drop out of school. One of the finding of present study reveals that most of the victims of child marriage have a negative attitude towards child marriage in their community as they experienced, learnt and suffered in their life and undergo many difficulties in their day to day life. It makes them to view child marriage as a negative approach to the community. Because, most girls who end up in divorce and are obliged to join their parents, especially those having a child, are often isolated and degraded by their family and the community. The current study also found out that the attitudes of majority parents (71.6 percent) towards child marriage with kinship are acceptable for the community. The fact of the matter is that, the girl s parents believe the kinship will take care of their daughter if she is given marriage in early age.but the girl s parents never realize the impact of child marriage and the kind of sufferings their daughters havew to undergo throughout of her life, which victim only experience it.. The study reveals that the domination of male over female towards gender inequality. The domination against women is very common in the child marriage system in Ethiopia. Due to this, the victim women undergo the psychological, physical, and sexual abuse directed to spouses. RECOMMENDATION: 1. The awareness on child marriage is highly essential in Ethiopia in terms of Intensive community conversations and dialogues, visual and audio education materials and radio programs that discuss the dangers associated with child marriage and the benefits of delaying marriage could be used 2. Awareness alos is very important in Ethiopian community in the area of legislations against child marriage. This calls for intensive community awareness interventions on the specific laws pertaining to child marriage, along with ensuring the enforcement laws as ignorance among the law enforcement bodies in taking timely actions against reported child marriage cases, which requires attention. 3. Training programs on local resources including schools, teachers, community groups, and volunteers, and supporting them to conduct community based initiatives could contribute in bringing out a transformation of the beliefs around child marriage. 4. Public need to be sensitized to support girls education and research suggests that access to school for girls is crucial to delaying marriage, to enabling them control their own destinies and effect change in their communities. 5. Families in the intervention areas who stood against the child marriage practice and delayed marriage for their children, and those girls who refused for child marriage should be rewarded in some form, as way of formal recognition and to point them out as role models in their communities. 6. Most interventions in the studied areas mainly targeted prevention activities against child marriage. Response intervention programs for those victims of child marriage including those girls with pregnancy and delivery related health complications, those married girls, and support programs for reintegrating those girls running away from child marriage should be designed.. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that child marriage is a wellaccepted and a deep rooted cultural practice in the studied district. Despite the country s legal provisions against child marriage, it is widely practiced in the studied areas
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