Child marriages: analysing the narrative conversations with survivors.
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Date
2022
Authors
Daka, Harrison
Mulenga, Hagane-Mukuka, Lydia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Lexicography and Terminology
Abstract
This paper examined the narratives of survivors of child marriages. Their perceptions were
important in understanding the mindset that drive the contraction of child marriages. The study
was carried out in Lusaka and Central provinces of Zambia and used a narrative design.
Qualitative data were collected using the semi-structured interview guides. The girls were
introduced to the researchers via snowballing. These girls were married off whilst in school. At
the start of this study, only one of the girls was still in matrimony. Within the context of attribution
theory, the study findings showed that participants indicated that the law on child marriage was
problematic for the following reasons: The belief that law has no space in family issues, marriage
was salvation from destitution and that there was no space for criminal law in matrimony. In
addition, pregnancy was believed to be a precursor to marriage. The study recommended the reorientation of people on the law and economic support for the children that fall pregnant with a
view of taking them back to school and discourage them from early marriages. The findings of the
study have implications for how the law against child marriage was being implemented in Zambia.
The success of the law lies in the re-orientation of the people on the necessity of the law. There
should be an emphasis on removing laws that are repugnant to justice such as the customary law
that allows parents and guardians to marry off underage children.
Key words: Child marriage, survivors, perception, Marriage Act, Customary law
Description
Article
Keywords
Survivors of child marriages. , Law on child marriage. , Child marriages--Survivors.