Locked in Tradition: Upholding Child Marriage Practice in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopian

Abstract

Although many community members realize the adverse legal and health effects of child marriage, they continue to engage in it. This qualitative study examines the factors that keep community members locked in the tradition of child marriage and thereby illuminates how traditions perpetuate child marriage and make it difficult to control. Thematic analysis and categorization of data (from 21 female child marriage victims, seven key local informants, and four focus group discussions) into five major themes reveal that parents covertly undertake child marriage because they view it as a rite of passage, safety measure, and a way to gain acceptance from their respective groups. Vital registration, law revision, and strengthening of local associations are recommended to stop child marriages.