The Effectiveness of the Traditional Justice System in Handling Child Marriages. A Case of Shamva District
- Author
- Chipunza, Pride. D
- Title
- The Effectiveness of the Traditional Justice System in Handling Child Marriages. A Case of Shamva District
- Abstract
-
The study investigated the effectiveness of the traditional justice system in handling child
marriages in Shamva District. The objectives of the study were to investigate the measures used
by the traditional justice system in handling child marriages, to analyse the community
perceptions of the traditional justice system, to examine the challenges being faced by the
traditional justice system in handling child marriages as well as coming up with strategies to
improve the effectiveness of the traditional justice system in handling child marriages. The
study adopted Girls Not Brides Theory of Change as its theoretical framework. The study
adopted a qualitative methodology through a case study research design and collected data
from 6 in- depth interviews, 1 Focus group discussion and 3 key informants. Data analysed
through thematic analysis based on the descriptive phenomenology revealed that awareness
campaigns, community by-laws and referral pathway system are effective tools which works in
fighting child marriage. It was then reported that traditional chiefs preside over child marriage
cases, provide a mediatory role and a facilitating role in solving the conundrum of child
marriage. The communities perceive the traditional justice system as incompetent and biased.
As such traditional justice system faces challenges such as changing cultures, globalization,
limited funding, and support which fuel child marriages beyond their capacity. It was
recommended that ongoing education for traditional chiefs and equip them with knowledge is
needed. It then promotes multi-agency and collaboration and community sensitization
programs as prevention measures to eradicate child marriage with support from social
workers.
- Date
- 2023
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Traditional Justice System
- Child Marriages
- Supervisor
- Chigondo, Edith
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
-
Chipunza Pride - SW.pdf