Exploring the socio-economic factors contributing to the persistent prevalence of early child marriages in Bindura district, Zimbabwe
- Author
- Dzinotyiwei, Blessing
- Title
- Exploring the socio-economic factors contributing to the persistent prevalence of early child marriages in Bindura district, Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- The study aimed to critically explore the socio-economic factors contributing to the persistent prevalence of early child marriages and how it can be averted in Bindura District specifically Chipadze, Zimbabwe. The study used a sample size of 50 respondents. It assessed the social, economic and cultural factors contributing to these persistent early child marriages. The research outcomes demonstrate that traditional gender norms prioritizing early marriage for girls, the lack of educational and employment opportunities, and the entrenchment of intergenerational cycles of child marriage are the most prominent socio-cultural drivers of this issue, with 18, 21, and 25 participants, respectively, citing these as significant factors. Qualitative analysis was employed on data collected. A focus group discussion guide was administered to selected married women/children and parents, they were all completed for analysis. 15 key informant interviews were also used to source out information. The research findings show that the most noticeable effect was the disruption of education, with numerous participants emphasizing how child marriage forced young girls to drop out of school, taking away their opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and economic empowerment that education provides. In addition, it was also brought to light that there is a heightened vulnerability of child mothers to physical and sexual abuse within their marriages, a consequence of the inherent power imbalances and lack of agency that young girls often face. In order to reduce the cases of early child marriages, awareness campaigns and community engagement programs have been introduced as well as enforcement of legislative frameworks. The research findings show that there is great need for government and NGO assistance to help reduce these early child marriages.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Early Child Marriages
- Persistent Prevalence
- Socio-economic Factors
- Supervisor
- Dr. Siziba
- Item sets
- Department of Disaster Risk Reduction
