GAMBELA UNIVERSITY

Faculty of social science and

Humanities
Department of Gender and
Development

THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF EARLY MARRIAGES

IN GAMBELA
By: Omod Gose
ID no: GU/493/14
Advisor:

A research proposal to be submitted to the department of gender and development, faculty social
science and humanities, Gambela University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
bachelor of science (Bsc) degree in gender and development.

December, 2023

Gambela, Ethiopia
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................I
Chapter One..................................................................................................................................1
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 1
1.1BACKGROUND INFORMATION.......................................................................................... 1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.......................................................................................2
1.3. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY................................................................................................3
1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................4
1.4.1 General Objective.......................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Specific Objectives.........................................................................................................4
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION......................................................................................................4
1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY....................................................................................... 4
1.7 Scope and Delimitations of the Study.................................................................................. 4
1.8 Definitions of the Key Concepts........................................................................................... 4
Chapter Two..................................................................................................................................6
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 THEORETICAL REVIEW..................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 The Psychological Orientation: The Social-Learning Approach................................... 6
2.2.2 Evolutionary Approach...................................................................................................7
2.3. EMPIRICAL REVIEW.......................................................................................................... 8
2.3.1 The Causes of Child Marriage.......................................................................................9
2.3.2 The Effects of Child Marriage...................................................................................... 11
2.3.3 Strategies for ending early marriage........................................................................... 12
2.4 Knowledge Gap from Literature Review............................................................................ 17
Chapter Three............................................................................................................................. 18
3.0 METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................... 18

I
 3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 18
3.2 Research Design................................................................................................................ 18
3.3 Study Area.......................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Target Population............................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Sampling design................................................................................................................. 19
3.5 Sample Size........................................................................................................................19
3.5.1 Sampling Procedures...................................................................................................19
3.7 Data collection Methods..................................................................................................... 19
3.7.1 Data Collection Instruments and Procedures..............................................................20
3.8 Data Analysis and Interpretation........................................................................................ 20
3.9 Ethical considerations.........................................................................................................20
Chapter Four...............................................................................................................................22
4.0 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSION OF THE RESEARCH FINDINGS...............................22
4.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 22
4.2 Section A: Causes of Early marriages............................................................................... 22
4.3 Section B: Effects of Early Marriages.................................................................................28
4.4 Section C Strategies of ending child Marriages in Zambia................................................32
4.5 Limitations of the study.......................................................................................................35
Chapter Five................................................................................................................................37
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEDATION.......................................................................... 37
5.1 Overview.............................................................................................................................. 37
5.2 Conclusions......................................................................................................................... 37
5.3 Recommendations..............................................................................................................37
REFERENCE.................................................................................................................................39

II
 Abstract

This study sought to examine the causes and effects of early marriages in Gambela. The study
employed a case study research design which explores the cases over time, through detailed, in-
depth data collection. The sample size was 30 participants and the participants were recruited
using purposive sampling method. The study used qualitative research method. The researchers
used interview guide and data was collected using face-to-face interviews for 20 participants
and the other 10 were interviewed via phone call due to challenges of distance between the
participants and researchers. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

The study found that the main causes of child marriage are Cultural factors such as; cultural
beliefs and fear of a girl child remaining unmarried, Economical factors (Poverty) and social
factors which include: Peer pressure, Environment, too much freedom and ignorance. The study
also found that the consequences of child marriage are increase in school dropout which brings
about lack of self-reliance. Early marriages also lead to increase in gender-based violence
(Cultural Implications) as well as increase in divorce levels due to lack of maturity by the girl
child. The health of a girl child and their off-springs is also at risk because early marriages bring
about maternal mortality, Malnutrition and sexually transmitted diseases. The study also
indicated the strategies that need to be put in place in order to end child marriages and these
include empowering girls with information, skills, and support networks, providing economic
support and incentives to girls and their families, educating and rallying parents and community
members, enhancing – quality girls’ education and encouraging access supportive to a high laws
and policies to end child marriage. Based on the findings, it was recommended that In order to
reduce the high levels of poverty the government should empower the parents through the
social cash transfer program by giving them financial support to help the families to reduce
early marriages. Since cultural beliefs in some cultures are strong forces towards early
marriages the government should therefore, enforce the arresting of the parents guilty of marry
off their children at an early age. The government is also expected to re-emphasize through the
Ministry of education about the re-entry policy to avoid a huge number of school drop outs once
the young girls get pregnant who might just end up getting married if not encouraged to go
back to school.

III
 Chapter One
1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives an overview of the causes and effects of child marriages. As a way
of procedure, the chapter begins by giving background information on child marriages;
explain the causes and effects of child marriages. Later, the chapter will explain the
statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, the justification of
the study, scope and delimitations of the study, and definition of key concepts.

1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Child marriage is a vice that has destroyed a number of young girls and boys dreams.
Their future has been emptied even before they even become conscious of themselves.
Some of these children just find themselves in these cultures while others are just
forced into these uncalled for behaviors. These marriages bring about early pregnancy
to a girl child. Early pregnancy is often associated with school dropout, and poverty.
Observational studies from low-income countries indicate that young women who quit
school early are more likely to marry and become pregnant earlier than those who stay
in school. In the last decade primary school enrolment has increased significantly in
many poor countries. Nonetheless, enrolment at secondary level is much lower than at
primary level in most low-income countries, particularly for girls. Approximately 6000
thousand girls below age 18 give birth in low- and middle-income countries every year.
Maternal complications are estimated to be the fourth most common cause of death in
girls aged 15–19 in low-income countries and the risks of prematurity and low birth
weight are high in adolescent pregnancies, with consequent higher morbidity and
mortality.

Marriage before the age of 18 is a reality for many young women. In many parts of the
world parents encourage the marriage of their daughters while they are still children in
hopes that the marriage will benefit them both financially and socially, while also
relieving financial burdens on the family. 1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Researchers mapped out the relationship between women include: The increased
participation of women in productive activities, reduced reproductive burdens, improved
maternal and family health and increased opportunities for the education of children,
especially daughters. Researchers also highlight the empowering role of education that
is the crucial role it plays in increasing-esteem women’s and personal fulfillment self
through the dissemination of information, knowledge and skills. The importance of
educating girls is entering public consciousness globally. The education of girls is a
stimulus for societal change and human development. Studies enhances the welfare of
the population and in investing in girls’ education provides and social. of the h course,
the transformative power of education desired societal development in developing
countries has repeatedly been demonstrated. Despite wide acknowledgment of the
value of female education, women and girls in developing countries, including Ethiopia,
are still excluded from the educational system.

In developing countries economic, social and cultural factors, in complex interaction,

play their part in determining access to and success in education, both for boys and
girls. However, the impact of these factors is greater on girls than on boys in most
contexts. A useful way to look at these different dimensions of- side the’ problem and
side ’‘demand is factors. The supply-side factors include: Shortage of places and poor
physical infrastructure, poor quality of education, and lack of female teachers. Shortage
of school places, the remoteness of rural schools and poor physical infrastructure are
major problems in many developing countries. Such deficiencies are often due to lack of
resources. Girls tend to suffer more than boys from such deficiencies. Girls are often
disadvantaged because of well-founded concerns about their physical security. The
poor quality of school facilities in the developing world also militates against girls’
attendance. In social ‘modesty’, simply a lack of toilet facilities and deter parents from
sending their daughters to school. The quality of the education offered in developing
countries is often very poor.
2
1.3. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and effects of early marriages
in Gambela.

1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.4.1 General Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the Causes and effects of early marriages in
Gambela.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. To investigate the factors that cause early marriages in Gambela
2. To examine the effects that early marriage has on both the victims and the
community.
3. To investigate how the existence of early marriage can be brought to an end in
Gambela.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION
This study addressed the following questions:
1. What are the factors that cause early marriages in Gambela?
2. What are the effects that early marriage has on both the victims and the
community?
3. How can the existence of early marriage be brought to an end in Gambela?
1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The results of this study helped parents and children to know the negative impacts of
early marriages and its effect on the future of the society and the country at large. The
research also helped to provide useful information on how best the prevalence of early
marriages could be reduced or be brought to an end.

1.7 Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Defines delimitations as investigation was delimited to the phenomenon of the causes

and effects of child marriage from the perspectives of students at the Gamela
University. 3
1.8 Definitions of the Key Concepts

Child: A child is defined as any person who is below the age of 18. Thus it
entails that any human being who has not yet attained the age of 18 is
considered to be a child. In this study, a girl child will refer to any female
who has not attained the age of 21 years.

Child Marriage: Child marriage is an unlawful marriage union in which one party is a
minor or both parties are minors. Child marriage is any marriage carried out below the
age of 18 years, before the girl or the boy is physically, physiologically and
psychologically ready to shoulder the responsibilities of marriage and childbearing. In
this study, child marriage will be defined as a statutory or customary union involving a
girl or young woman who has not yet attained the age of 21 years.

4
 Chapter Two
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction

This chapter provided a review of relevant literature from previous research journals texts
and reports conceptualized under the objectives of the study to justify the dimension that
was undertaken by the current study. The chapter focused on the studies that have been
done in Gambela and other parts of the world with respect to the causes and effects of child
marriages. The review of current literature is divided into two sections. The first part of the
study provided a description of the theoretical model upon which this study was based. The
second part presented the empirical studies that have been done locally (in Gambela) and
outside Gambela regarding the causes and effects of child marriage. This literature review
was edited from the one submitted earlier in the proposal to suit the findings in the study
that was recently carried out. A summary of the reviewed literature was to be provided to
identify the knowledge gaps that needed to be filled where possible.

2.2 THEORETICAL REVIEW

In order to understand the causes and consequences of early marriage, the study used
two theories. The theories adopted are; the Psychological Orientation: The Social-
Learning approach and evolutionary approach.

2.2.1 The Psychological Orientation: The Social-Learning Approach

The social-learning approach to gender draws psychological and anthropological cross-

cultural studies of gender roles and relations. A major focus of psychologically oriented
anthropological literature concerned with gender stresses on explanations of the differences
that characterize male and female personality types. Anthropologists have been concerned
with identifying the cultural factors that shape the development of these traits, and which
underlie sex role behaviors. A social learning orientation focuses, among others, on how
cultural learning shapes male and female personality types. women are “naturally
dependent and parent on the other hand, argues that the consequences of male and
female personality traits dependent.
5
Gender roles are practices and activities carried out by men and women, which lead to
an economically and socially constructed division of labor. Early gender socialization
proceeds in universally similar ways and establishes certain basic differences in the
psychological orientations of male and female children. This was, of course,
questionable because many other researchers have observed that socialization differs
from culture to culture, as each culture is unique notes that a growing body of
ethnographic literature attests the specifics of these differences. Anthropologists have
long understood that normative “sex roles” very considerable from. The degree culture
and t character of social asymmetry between the sexes were highly variable both
between cultures and between different domains within a single culture. Thus, the
contests of and relations between gender categories that inform and reproduce
particular gender identities are socially and culturally relative. This is because gender
socialization is a process whereby humans in the course of interaction are molded and
continuously shaped to appropriate images of femaleness and maleness.

2.2.2 Evolutionary Approach

While no one denies that men and women differ biologically, there is great variation in
the importance placed on these differences by researchers interested in understanding
gender roles and the existence of systems of gender stratification. Anthropologists who
focused on biological differences and biosocial explanations tended to employ
evolutionary models in their explanations. Finding explanations of gender differences in
evolutionary factors had a long story within anthropology. This is because the first
school of anthropological theory, known as social evolutionism, used an evolutionary
model to explain all aspects of human social organization. Societies had developed
from the simple to the complex, the chaotic to the organized, and the homogeneous to
the heterogeneous. These theorists were immersed in beliefs.

6
Social evolutionists claimed that societies evolved through a fierce struggle for survival.
They pointed to Western civil political, economic, and cultural dominance over the rest
of the world as evidence that it was the fittest form of social organization and, thus, the
most highly evolved. They not only saw the social practices, customs, and institutions of
non-Western societies as inferior and less evolved but also claimed that they
represented-Western early societies were used, in other words, as living examples of
the West’s was left behind as it struggled for supremacy hypothesized that the earliest
societies . This situation meant that knowledge of paternity was obscured. Out of these
chaotic conditions evolved societies that traced descent, inheriting a mother’s her
children. By contrast, any society that regulated paternity through monogamy or
institutionalized it by tracing descent through the male line would increase the chances
of its existence. In other words, institutionalized paternity would lead to institutionalized
male protection, ensuring that vitality and survival of the entire society. A society that
favored monogamy and accentuated the male line would be able to conquer those that
did not, thereby increase its size and strength. In the process, it would become more
complex and evolve to a higher stage of development. To ensure that women had
enough energy for their childbearing and child-rearing duties, it had to be channeled
away from other functions, such as public, religious or political functions. The
concentration of energy on reproductive functions was responsible for women’s
supposed inferior mental capable power of justice”. Such in adequacies, which made
women unsuited for important activities in the public realm, were seen as the natural
fittest” outcome women’s attempts at the time to advocate for demands were viewed as
unnatural and perilous (ibid).
2.3 EMPIRICAL REVIEW

The structure of the reviewed previous studies was done according to the specific
objectives of the study. These were as follows; to explore the causes of child marriage
in a girl child to investigate the effects of child marriages to investigate the
empowerment strategies used to empower a girl child, and to examine and analyses the
challenges affecting the fight against child marriage.

7
2.3.1 The Causes of Child Marriage

A lot of studies were conducted both in Gambela and across the globe on the causes of
child marriage and its effects on the wellbeing of the child, nation and how child
marriage contributes to the cycle of poverty and gender inequality. The purpose of the
study was to find out the causes of child marriage, traditions and environmental factors
that promote the practice as well as the extent of the practice in those six districts.

The study revealed that economic hardships make parents and guardians to marry off
their daughters and that they see the practice to be an opportunity towards financial
gain as they would receive bride price locally known as ‘lobo marrying off the eldest
daughter provides the parents with the financial capacity to educate the young children
and more so, the boy child. The study revealed that a girl child sees the practice of child
marriage as a chance to gain materialistically and as a means of escaping the economic
hardships existing in her family.

Another cause of child marriage is the phenomenon of culture and tradition. For
instance, study about child marriage and cu that the dominant reason for child marriage
practice is –cultural root practices and in religious socio beliefs in many further regards
the cultural sexuality as a cause of child marriage. In some cultures, it is considered
shameful to the family. The Girls notes that in many communities, thence of child
marriage is as a result of the tradition of marrying off girls when they reach adolescent
which has been practiced for many generations. These traditions are harmful cultural
practices that define the rite of passage to women Gambela legislation to ban child
southern marriage part of the country is a contributing cause to child marriage. There is
a tradition in which a girl is forced to participate cleansing of her childhood when she
attains adolescent. child marriage “is driven largely by get girl child. Also added that
key in child marriage. Fur the more parents prefer to educate “a girl c a boy child and
marry off the girls at an age. The population council on ending child marriage in
Gambela states that child marriage affects all girls, those with less education.
8
Living in rural areas, and in the lower wealth quintiles are more susceptible than those
with higher education, living in urban areas, and in higher wealth quintiles. . This is so
because of peer pressure among young girls in the rural areas or from low wealth
families as well as negligence of the parents by awarding the young girls too much
freedom.

Indicated that both parents and the young girls did not know the consequences of child
marriage and the girls admitted that they did not pressure their parents to get them
married, rather their parents forced them to stop schooling and get marriage to a
bridegroom they had chosen for them and claimed that since they had also married
before the age of 16 and are completely fine there is absolutely nothing with their
daughters marrying at that age.

2.3.2 The Effects of Child Marriage

Besides the causes of child marriage, Fischer consequences of child marriage. It was
revealed that girls who marry early are at risk of health complications such as cervical
cancer and those that are associated to child birth not forgetting, sexually transmitted
infections as well as HIV/AIDS. It was also revealed that married girls in the study group
reported having experienced some of these health issues.

Child marriage has detrimental effects on a girl child. It not only robs a girl child of her
basic human rights but also has profound effects on her emotional, social, physical, and
financial wellbeing. Apart from contributing to the cycle of poverty, it also slows down
personal, national and global development. An marriage limits knowledge skills,
resources, mobility, autonomy and social support of young girls and those who lack this
are extremely vulnerable to physical and sexual violence and psychological and
economic abuse.
According to the International Federation of Medical Students Association girls that are
married off young will in most cases not be able to continue with their education.

9
Consequently the continued practice of child marriage. Similarly, Parsons concludes
that “girls le decision who-making marry and power with in early the marriage have
home a greater likelihood of school dropout ad illiteracy, lower labor force participation
and earnings, and less control over productive household assets. Because child brides
often become mothers during adolescence, they and their children are likely to
experience poorer overall health and nutrition”. Secondly, there are health co maternal
mortality, cervical cancer, risk for sexually transmitted infections, child birth
complications such as fistula and HIV/AIDS inter-alia.

2.3.3 Strategies for ending early marriage

There have been a lot of studies that were conducted around the globe on how to end
and prevent the practice of child marriage. The main purpose of the study was to
systematically review and appraise evidence which is relevant to preventing child
marriage. The study which begun in 2009 was a World Health Organization initiative
which was commissioned by ICRW and its aim was to identify programmed
interventions and strategies as well as policies that had.
Recorded a change of measurement in attitudes and behaviors that are related to child
marriage. Program from NGOs involved in child marriage prevention were also
identified by contacting staff, online web searches, grey literature and reviewing other
necessary documents. In total, more than 150 organizations with program related to
child marriage prevention were identified. However, it was only 23 out of these more
than 150 that had documented the measurement of attitude and behavior change.
The results of the study indicated that there was an increase in the number of
interventional strategies that were targeted towards child marriage in the last two
decades. Most of these program worked directly with girls and offerings them
opportunities and giving them a platform where they could obtain skills and education
and also attempting to change social norms that perpetuate the practice of child
marriage by engaging with families and the community at large. Other significant
intervention strategies were giving economic incentives to parents in order to promote
education and good health behaviors and attitudes as a way of preventing child
marriage. 10
One of the summary findings of the research was that programs aimed at preventing
child marriage use five strategies which are “(i) networks, (ii) educating and mobilizing
parents and community members (iii) enhancing the accessibility and quality of formal
schooling for girls (iv) offering economic support and incentives for girls and their
families. Apart from the study revealing the program strategies on ending child
marriage, its findings did not reveal how empowering a girl can prevent and eliminate
child marriage thus creating gaps and this justifies the need for further research.

Walker (2013) carried out a study on why ending child marriage need to be an
educational goal in West Africa. The report states that “girl’s child marriage”. Focusing
Walker on educational an empowerment stated strategy to end child marriage
increases girl child marriage and also empowers them with skills and decision making
that challenges the social and gendered injustices that they face. Also affirmed that the
most powerful and vital tool to help end child marriage is education and that this tool is
proving.
Subsequently, empowerment was achieved in all the spheres where it was measured.
While urban based girls were able to use their financial knowledge to advance skills into
economic opportunities, rural based girls did not utilize the financial knowledge. On the
other hand, levels of participation by girls in decision making were higher with rural
based girls in comparison with urban based girls. Under the goal of reducing the rate of
school drop-out, the findings indicated that there was an increase in the number of
graded school completion recorded among young.
adolescents who are rural based. The findings further showed that there was a recorded
improvement in knowledge relating to sexual reproductive health information. Still, the
practical use of the sexual reproductive controls was comparatively lower than the
theoretical knowledge obtained. Yet, the overall empowerment was success.
One of these program was the which was a program been implemented in Upper Egypt. The
aim of this program was to prepare girls to re-enter formal school by using grouped-based
programming. The program targeted girls who were aged between 12 and 15 years and were
out of school.
11
The purpose of the program was to provide economic and social development
opportunities for girls by using grouped-based programming. The target group was girls
aged between 11 and 21 with a target population of about 14,000 girls in 5 districts of
the country. The research findings revealed that beneficiaries of the program were able
to identify early marriage risks, had and gender equality. They were further able to
identify the legal minimum age for marriage. In addition to the two above case studies
was the study carried out in Amhara, Ethiopia. The general findings from the above
case studies provided an understanding on actions through which program can
successfully to make life choices broaden that were a

Strategic with regards to child marriage. These actions increased access to resources
and information, skills and social support. The study also revealed that the most
fundamental action is self-change in the girl where she builds self-esteem and
awareness about the right to equal treatment and opportunities that enabled her make
better choices, have access to education and economic opportunities that were
alternatives to marriage. Subsequently, her participation in empowerment activities
enhanced her capabilities and enabled her to make meaningful decisions in future
concerning when to get married and also effected other people’s.
The focus of the report was on the role of education empowerment as a means to
preventing child marriage in the Commonwealth countries. One of the countries where
the studies were carried out was Rwanda. The findings from the study indicated the
program were successful with a rate of 98% of girls enrolling and this rate was even
higher than the boys. The case study concluded that such policies or program create
opportunities for girls to access education that will subsequently eliminate reasons for
child marriage. In addition, it was also reported that a rights based and gender sensitive
education was a powerful strategy towards ending and preventing child marriage as it is
broad and encompasses.

12
a safe environment that respect for human rights and does not discriminate against
girls, empowers them to make meaningful decisions that challenge harmful cultural
practices gendered norms that violates their rights
child right office reported in a policy brief that it is cardinal to impart information and
knowledge to girls as a strategy towards changing norms about child marriage. This
information and knowledge should be about their human rights, family planning as well
as reproductive health information. It was further reported that communities must be
mobilized and sensitized so that girls’ rights are respect independent decisions. The
study also found that an empowerment programmed in Gambela recorded reduction in
the number of girls married before the age of 15.

2.4 Knowledge Gap from Literature Review

The literature review showed several causes and effects of early marriages on a girl
child. The literature reviewed is related to other areas of the world different from
Gambela people and specifically the University of Gambela state. This study intended to
bridge the noted gaps.

13
 Chapter Three
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction

The previous chapter reviewed some related works to the causes and effects of early
marriages in general and those considered being directly relevant to the present study.
This chapter described the methodology which was in this study. The methodology
which was used when conducting this study was organized under the following section:
research design, study area, target population, sample size and procedure, data
collection, data collection instruments, data analysis and ethical considerations.
3.2 Research Design

According to a research which individual design “ were to be studied, as well as when,

This study used where a case study and in research design. defined a case study as a
qualitative approach in which the researcher explored the case or cases over time,
through detailed, in-depth data collection. Choosing a case study in this research
helped to deeply investigate the causes and effects of child marriages and strategies of
ending early marriages Gambela in a natural setting, considering the perspectives of
the participants involved thereby having a basis for developing appropriate
interventions. The study was approached using a qualitative research method.
Qualitative methods led to better understanding of the attitudes, feelings, thoughts,
perception and opinions of participants. This approach was used because investigating
the causes and effects of early marriages was exploratory in nature and it required in-
depth information from the participants.
3.3 Study Area

The study was conducted at the Gambela town . The area was chosen because it was
possible for the researcher to get diverse views on the topic given that the study sites
were rich in population concentrated in one geographical area hence easy to interview
them.
3.4 Target Population

The population is the “set of individuals defined by the sampling criteria established
14
study, the population of participants from whom a sample was selected to participate in
the study were the Gambela town people Final year students.
3.4 Sampling design

This study required specific groups of people who provided specific information which
had value to the study. Thus, purposive sampling was used to identity participants with
certain useful information for the study. Purposive sampling is defined as a type of non-
probability sampling in which the participating units s judgment are about selected
which on ones was to be the most useful purpose sampling was employed as a feature
of qualitative research in order to enable the researcher to select knowledgeable
participants.

3.5 Sample Size

The qualitative researchers should interview 30 participants who have experienced

similar events (phenomenon). With regard to qualitative research, there are no specific
rules to regulate or determine sample size. Therefore, the total sample size for the
present study was 30 participants consisting of the university of Gambela final year
students selected through purposive sampling method.
3.5.1 Sampling Procedures

In this study, access to participants was done by first getting permission from the
Society at the Gambela town. After receiving permission, purposive sampling procedure
was used to recruit the participants. As earlier mentioned, the study participants
comprised of The Gambela University final year students as key informants. The
rationale behind choosing these groups of people was to understand the causes and
effects of early marriages in Gambela.
3.7 Data collection Methods

Qualitative data was collected using semi structured interview with the use of interview
guide. In-depth face to face interviews was used to collect data from the final year
students at The University of Gambela. A tape recorder was used to minimize loss of
data and ensure accuracy of the transcription.

15
3.7.1 Data Collection Instruments and Procedures

Data will be collected using three instruments and these were; , notebook and semi-
structured interview guide. the notebook was used to take notes that may not have
been captured through the recorder especially when the participant refuses to be
recorded. . The instruments and techniques were necessary because they enabled the
researcher to collect data from interviews in natural settings and in effect an
unadulterated.
3.8 Data Analysis and Interpretation

The thematic analysis was used to establish the causes and effects of early marriage in
Gambela. The relevance of thematic analysis was for the identification of themes from
the responses of participants. Themes were developed after a lengthy process of
listening to the transcriptions and reading through the notes that were taken during
interviews with the participants and later, key features were noted from the
transcriptions that was grouped together. This enabled the researchers to categorize
items according to what description they offered.

3.9 Ethical considerations

Considering that the study needed personal information from the participants, before
conducting the interviews, the researcher informed the participants about the nature of
the interview, the purpose of the study and the use of a notebook during the interview
process. As a matter of principle, informed consent was obtained from the participants.
Before switching on the tape recorder during interviews, the researcher asked the
participants if it were fine to use it. Privacy of the information collected was to be
observed. To gain the trust of the participants, the researchers presented an
introductory letter from the University the University of Gambela whenever the
participants asked for it.

16
 Chapter Four
4.0 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSION OF THE RESEARCH FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents and discusses the findings of the study pertaining the causes and
effects of early marriages in Gambela. The presentations of the research findings and
discussions were done according to the research themes generated from specific
objectives of the study obtained during data analysis. The main specific objectives were;
to identify the causes of child marriages, consequences of child marriages and
strategies for ending early marriages.

4.2 Section A: Causes of Early marriages

This section presents information on the cause main Objective was to identify the
causes of early marriages in Gambela. The data presented under this theme answer
research question one; what are the factors that cause early marriages in Gamela?
When participants were asked about the causes of early marriages in Gambela, a
number of themes emerged during data analysis and themes developed under this
specific objective were, (i) Cultural Factors, (ii) Economic Factors and (iii) Social Factors
contributing to early marriages.

4.2.1 Cultural Factors Contributing to Early Marriages

In this theme they were two subthemes that emerged as cultural factors that contribute
to early marriages and these were; (i) cultural beliefs and (ii) fear of girl child remaining
unmarried.

4.2.1.1 Cultural beliefs

All the participants interviewed indicted that cultural beliefs are among the factors
contributing to early marriage. The participants argued that early marriage is proposed
by parents because of their beliefs in the role of a girl child in taking care of the home
and to preserve their sexual purity.

17

Greatly to the increase early marriages. In explaining how cultural beliefs contribute to
early marriage, some participates remarked as follows:

The practice of child marriage is driven by social norms and expectation and gendered
discrimination that devalues women and girls to make choices for themselves. child’s
sexuality as a cause of child marriage family for a girl to engage in sexual activities
before marriage. In such communities, the virginity of a girl child is highly upheld and as
such, girls are expected to present it.

The Girls Not Brides notes that in many communities, the persistence of child marriage
is as a result of the tradition of marrying off girls when they reach adolescent which has
been practiced for many generations.

4.2.1.2 Fear of girl child remaining unmarried

Some participants said that fear of a girl child to remain unmarried for the rest of their
lives is what causes early marriages and this is evident from the verbatim below:

These confirm the previous studies by which state that societal status and position of a
woman is critical key in child marriage. This means that if a girl child passes the
expected age of marriage such as 25 years she may be labelled as a problem and this
bring shame to the family of that girl. To avoid this, parents and guardians are forced to
marry of their daughters as soon as they reach puberty in fear of embarrassment.

4. 2.2 Economic Factors Contributing to Early Marriages

The results showed that there were two subthemes that emerged from the economic
factors contributing to early marriages and these were; (i) poverty and (ii) Ignorance.

4.2.2.1 Poverty
Twenty-five out of thirty participants indicated that some parents marry off their children
as a form of investment so that they may get rich once they are paid with that bride
price or even use the money to educate the younger siblings more so the boy child of
that one who has been given away in marriage. This is evident in the verbatim as shown
below:

18

The study revealed the practice of child marriage as a chance to gain materialistically
and as means of escaping economic hardships existing in her family. These findings
also concur with another study which states that child marriage is caused by poverty
and contextual economics and that child marriage is believed to be a copying strategy
for families living in poverty or financial insecurity and become a means of survival.
Contextual economics has to do with income poverty, economic dependency and bride
price-inter-alia.

Poverty leads parents to for marriage to older men (in most cases) in perpetuates the
cycle of poverty and makes child marriage to become an inter-generational practice.

4.2.2.2 Social Factors Contributing to Early Marriage

Under this theme three subthemes emerged and these include peer pressure, too much
freedom and environmental factors.

4.2.2.4 Environment

Other participants believed that the environment was one of the social factors
contributing to early marriages and this is evident from the verbatim below.

4.2.2.5 Too much freedom

Twenty- seven participants out of thirty brought out the aspect of too much freedom as a
result of lack of guidance from parents and guardians. The participants argued that
some of the causes of child married are single (mother) headed homes as these homes
lack the authoritative component of the father hence children are at liberty to do
anything anyhow. This is evident in the quote below:
This study confirms the previous study that was conducted by, the population council on
ending child marriage in Gambela states that child marriage affects all girls, those with
less education. Living in rural areas, and in the lower wealth quintiles are more
susceptible than those with higher education, living in urban areas, and in higher wealth
quintiles. This is so because of peer pressure among young girls in the rural areas.
19
4.2.2.6 Ignorance
The results also showed that 15 out of 30 interviewed participants indicated that the other cause
of early marriages is lack of sensitization to the general public on how they can pursue different
things other than marriage. This brings about an increase in illiteracy in the country thus
affecting the economy of the country because people are less productive compared to what is
expected of them. In supporting this point one participant had this to say:
The findings in this study confirm the findings in which indicated that both parents and the
young girls did not know the consequences of child marriage and the girls admitted that
they did not pressure their parents to get them married, rather their parents forced them to
stop schooling and get marriage to a bridegroom they had chosen for them and claimed that
since they had also married before the age of 16 and are completely fine there is absolutely
nothing with their daughters marrying at that age.
4.3 Section B: Effects of Early Marriages
This section is about the effects of early marriages investigates the effects of early
marriages, the data presented and discussed under this theme answered question two:
The effects of early marriages? When the participants were asked about the effects of
early marriages, three main themes emerged from the responses from the participants
during data analysis. These themes were responses of the respondents to the question
that was asked on the effects of early marriage. The main themes generated were; (i)
Increase in school dropout (ii) Increase Gender-based violence and divorce levels (iii)
Health of the girl child involved in marriage, birth problems and health of their Children.

4.3.1 Increase in School Drop out

In this theme there were two subthemes that emerged as effects of early marriages and
these were: (i) lack of self-reliance and (ii) increase in numbers of street kids

4.3.2 Lack of self-reliance

Twenty out of thirty participants indicated that early marriages deprives of girl child
opportunities to attain their highest potential instead they remain highly dependent on
their spouses. This is evident in the verbatim below:

20
4.3.3 Increase in number of street kids

Seven out of thirty participants indicated that early marriages takes away opportunity to
earn a living. In explaining how early marriages increases number of street kids,
one participant remarked as follow:

4.3.4 Increase in gender-based violence

In this theme there was only one subtheme that emerged as an effect of early
marriages and this was: Cultural implications.

4.3.5 Cultural implications

Fifteen out of thirty interviewed participants indicated that Gender based violence is one
of the effects of child marriage that is witnessed on a daily basis as a result of cultural
implications that
Emphasize unequal gender roles, dominant male authority, and leaving females
without power and autonomy in society females depending on the patriarchy and this
evident in the quotation below:

4.3.6.1 Lack of Maturity

Ten out of thirty participants indicated that lack of maturity by a girl child at the time they are
given away in marriage can lead to high levels of divorce because they are still young to deal
with issues that adults should deal with especially when they are married off to older men, they
are forced to abide by whatever the spouse says because the power dynamics tend to be so
high and if they fail to comply homes tend to break home. In explaining how lack of maturity
effects early marriages in terms of high levels of divorce one participant remarked as follows:
mothers during adolescence, they and their children are likely to experience poorer
overall health and nutrition”.

21
4.3.7 The health of a girl child involved in child marriage as well as their children

In this theme there were two subthemes that emerged as effects of early marriages that
affect the health of a girl child involved in child marriages as well as their children and these
were (i) Malnutrition, (ii) Maternal Mortality and (iii) increased sexually transmitted diseases.

4.3.7.1 Maternal Mortality

Twenty two out of thirty participants indicated that child marriages typically have poor
maternal and child health outcomes. In trying to explain how early marriages brings
about an increase in maternal mortality one participant quoted as follows:

4.3.7.2 Malnutrition

Twenty out of thirty participants indicated that malnutrition is one of the effects of early
marriages and this is evident in the quotation below:

4.3.8 Contracting of sexually transmitted diseases

Early marriages expose the girl child to a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted
diseases because they might be married off to older men who are more experienced
and might have first messed around in the outside before settling down with the younger
ladies.
The indicated that, because child brides often become mothers during adolescence,
and their children are likely to experience poorer overall health and nutrition. Secondly,
there are health complications associated with child marriage such a maternal mortality,
cervical cancer, risk of sexually transmitted infections, child birth complications such as
fistula and HIV/AIDS inter-alia.

The study consequences of child marriage. It was revealed that girls who marry early
are at risk of health complications such as cervical cancer and those that are
associated to child birth not forgetting,
sexually transmitted infections as well as HIV/AIDS. It was also revealed that married
girls in the study group reported having experienced some of these health issues.
22
4.4 Section C Strategies of ending child Marriages in Gambela .
This section is about the strategies of ending aim was to bring out the possible ways to
programmed, organizations and what the Gambela people
Government should do in order to end early marriages, the data presented and discussed
under this theme answered question three: the strategies of ending early marriages. When the
participants were asked about the strategies of ending early marriage in Gambela, five main
themes emerged from the responses of participants during data analysis and these were: (i)
empower girls with information, skills and support networks, (ii) provide economic support and
incentives to girls and their families, (iii) educate parents and community members on the

Consequences of child marriage, (iv) enhance girl’s access to encourage supportive

laws and policies.

4.4.1 Empower girls with information, skills and support networks

The participants in this category said that one of the strategies to be used in ending child
marriage is to empower girls with information, skills, and support networks by engaging in
organizations such as the World Bank, Forum for African women Educationalists Gambela.

4.4.2 Provide economic support and incentives to girls and their families

Other participants suggested that child marriage can be reduced by providing economic support
and incentives to girls and their families. They argued that government should continue
providing the empowerment programs to the girls and their families such as social cash transfer
and other finances such as youth empowerment. This is evident in the verbatim below:

4.4.3 Educate parents and community members on the consequences of child

marriage

Still some participants believed that child marriage can be reduced by educating the
parents and other community members on the social and health consequences of child
marriage. They argued that there is a need to strengthening multi-sectoral response to
the problem of child marriage as remarked in the verbatim below:

23
4.4.4. Enhance girl’s access to a high quality

The participants said that another strategy for ending child marriage is enhancing girls
’access to a high quality of education. They added that government should continue
providing education programs through the Ministry of Education such as school clubs
and other education programs which will the make school conducive for the girls.
The verbatim below illustrate this point:
It is evident here that the government should facilitate the provision of services that are
aimed at reducing children’s vulnerability-. Such approaches include; increment in
education opportunities as well as income and increased access to sexual reproduction
information and family planning.
4.4.5 Encourage supportive laws and policies

Participants in this category thought that the solution to child marriage is encourage
supportive laws and policies against child marriage. They argued that some laws
against child marriage are not effective and this makes some parents and guardians not
to be afraid when they marry of their daughter at a young age. This issue can be
resolved by enforcing the laws and making the policies regarding reporting of the cases
accessible to the girls themselves. The quote below supports this point:

This agreement was found in a study on the solutions to child marriage. The various
organizations should come up with initiatives and interventions to end child marriages.
These should thus, include programmed on attitudes and behavior change among
young people. The government should introduce policies and laws that are to be
followed in an attempt to reduce unhealthy practices that are prevalent among the
young people.

24
4.5 Limitations of the study
Some challenges that were encountered during the study and they made the research
process very difficult to manage. The main challenges encountered were as follows:
1. The researcher faced challenges in collecting the data because they live a long
distance from home to field as such they only collected data from 20 participants
using face-to-face interviews while the remaining 10 was done via voice call.
2. Some of the Face-to-Face participants that were asked to participate refused to
take part in the study as they were scared of contracting for some other case
while others were not certain with their right to confidentiality in the study hence
the researcher had to consider the other participants.

25
Chapter Five
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEDATION
5.1 Introduction

The previous chapter presented the finding and discussion of the study based on the research
objectives. This chapter tries to provide the outline of the findings and discussion. It gives the
findings and makes suggestions for the future studies as recommendations. The aim of the
study was to investigate the causes and effects of early marriages in Gambela.

5.2 Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that early marriages are prevalent in societies whose cultural
beliefs and attitudes are difficult to change. Early marriages is a culturally gender practice which
discriminates equal opportunities and place the girl –child a second class citizen in the societies
they live in. The prevalence of early girl-child marriage is greatly perpetuated by Cultural factors
such as; cultural beliefs and fear of a girl child remaining unmarried, Economical factors
(Poverty) and social factors which include: Peer pressure, Environment, too much freedom and
Ignorance. These factors are based on society child discriminated in her efforts for self-
empowerment and self-emancipation through education as a strong tool to acquire. Child rights
must be protected and promoted. A girl should not be viewed as a commodity but as a dignified
human being who should not be discriminated against. The study also identified some of the
effects of early marriages which include: increase in school dropout which brings about lack of
self-reliance. Early marriages also lead to increase in gender-based violence (Cultural
Implications) as well as increase in divorce levels due to lack of maturity by the girl child. The
health of a girl child and their offs-prongs is also at risk because early marriages bring about
maternal mortality, Malnutrition and sexually transmitted diseases. When Parents fail to
educate the girl child, no one else will and that means her future is doomed. Some of the
strategies to end child marriage that were identified in this study includes empowering girls
with information, skills, and support networks, providing economic support and incentives to
girls and their families, educating and rally parents and community members,-quality enhancing
educational a encouraging supportive laws and policies to end child marriage.
5.3 Recommendations
Arising from the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made in an
attempt to end child marriage.

➢ The research revealed that, due to high poverty levels, young girls are being
forced in immature marriages by the parents. Therefore, the government should
empower the
parents through the social cash transfer programmed by giving the financial
support to help the parents meet their family needs.

26
➢ The study revealed that parents give their children too much freedom which they
misuse by engaging in immoral activities and end up being involved in early
marriage. The parents should limit the freedom they give to their children and to
teach them to refrain from immoral practices.
➢ The research also showed that cultural beliefs are at play as in some cultures,
children are forced into early marriages as culture demands that a girl who has
reached puberty should be married. Therefore, the government should
emphasize the arresting of the offenders.

➢ The research also revealed that due to peer pressure, young girls are influenced
to get married by their cohorts who are already married. Hence, the community
leaders should.
come up with different clubs to the community on the dangers of child marriage.
➢ The study showed that as a result of child marriages, there has been an
increasing percentage in the school dropout rate of the young girls. The
government through the Ministry of Education should emphasize more the re-
entry policy and reach out to places where the re-entry policy is not well known.
➢ The research further revealed that there is an increase in the number of street
kids due to increased poverty rate among young married parents. Therefore, the
government and various organizations should come on board by removing these
children from the streets and take them to places where school can be provided
for them, as this may reduce the habit of immature marriages among themselves.

27
 REFERENCE

Anand, E. and Singh, J. (2015). ‘The Nexus betw with Physical Violence in
TwoInternationalCulturallyJournalof Dis Population Research, 2015(458654): 1-9.

Asrari, L. (2015). Preventing Child Marriage in the Commonwealth: The Role of Education.

Plan international United Kingdom and Royal Commonwealth Society.

https://www,thercs.org/.../preventing-child-marriage-in-the-Commonwealth.pdf
(Accessed on 18th February, 2020).

Austrian, K., Hewett, P. C., Soler-Hampejsek, E., Bozzani, F., Behrman, J. R.,
and Digitale, J. (2016). Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme: Research
and Evaluation Mid-Term Technical Report. Lusaka, Zambia: Population Council.

Best, J. W. and Kahn, J. V. (2003) Research in Education. Boston: Library of

Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data.

Birech, J. (2013). ‘Child marriage:InternationalJournalA of culture Humanities and

Social Sciences, Vol. 3, Pp. 17.
Burns, N. and Grove, S. K. (1998) The practice of nursing research: conduct,
critique and utilization, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Saunders.
.
Corbin, J. M & Strauss,J. M (2007).Basics of qualitative research: Techniques
and procedures for the developing ground theory (3rd ed).Thousand Oaks, CA:
SAGE.
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed
methods Approach, 3rd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Girls Not Brides (2014). Ending Child Marriage in Zambia. Available at:
www.girlsnitbrides.org/ending-child-marriage-zambia/ (Accessed on:
20/02/2020).
Glinski, M. A., Stoebenau, K., Warner, A., approach? Its core, rationale,TheJournalofSocio -
Economics,partners36(3): and 335-359.
Hervish, A. and Fieldman-Jacobs, C. (2011). Who speaks for me? Ending Child Marriage.
Washington D. C.: Population Reference Bureau [PRB].
Hirut TerefeAStudy of(2000)FemaleGenital “Mutilation. and Reproductive Health: The Case

of Arsi Oromo, Ethiopia.” A Doctoral Dissertation in Ethnol Hirut Terefe (2000) “.

Gender An Introduction and in to DevelopmenCulture,and Cooperation, Edited by
Christian Fellner. JEP BOOK/3.

28