Exploring factors that perpetuate child marriage and strategies to prevent them.
Date
2023
Authors
Mutale, Claudia Speck
Daka, Harrison
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Child marriage remains a concern globally, more so in developing countries, including
Zambia. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that perpetuate child
marriage and strategies to prevent them: A case study of Nyangu Village in Rufunsa
District, Lusaka Province. The main objectives of the study included; to explore the
existence of child marriages within Nyangu village of Rufunsa District, in Zambia; to
identify unique factors that foster child marriages in families and communities in
Nyangu village; to identify gaps that are in marriage laws in Zambia; and to determine
strategies that can prevent child marriages in families and communities in Nyangu
village. This research applied a qualitative approach. The study sample included a total
of twenty three participants; sixteen under eighteen participants made up of fourteen
girls and two boys; one Headwoman, One headmaster of the primary school of the
community, and five parents made up of community leaders, two male and three female.
Purposive sampling was used to determine the sample for the study. Data was collected
using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was
used to analyse the data. The study revealed that child marriages existed in Nyangu
village and were influenced by factors common and generational. These factors
included poverty, lack of education, influence from parents and culture, gaps between
the two legal systems, lack of developmental programs, and early pregnancy. The study
recommended the government of Zambia harmonising the two national laws; the
government of Zambia offer holistic resources support towards learners to support the
free education policy; improving the lives of families in the village through the
promotion of tourism in the village and surrounds, as it is located at the border of three
countries and in close proximity to the Luangwa River and national parks; lastly, to
improve reporting systems and implementation of the police service in the village.
Key words: Child marriage, education, early pregnancy, poverty, laws of Zambia.
Description
Article
Keywords
Child marriage. , Girl child education. , Early pregnancy--Education in Zambia. , Laws of Zambia--Early marriages.