Causes and consquences of early marriage in Amhara region

Background: Ethiopia has one of the world's highest rates of early marriage (marriage under 18 years). Pathfinder International/Ethiopia conducted a study in March and April of 2006 to generate quantitative and qualitative information on the causes and consequences of early marriage.

Methodology: The study reached a total of 1700 households. Focus group discussion and key informant interviews were conducted to collect qualitative information.

Results: The study showed that 15 percent of ever-married women in the region were married before the age of 12 years. About 82 percent of respondents married before the age of 18 years. About half of the women reported that they were pressured to marry.

Discussion: The study concluded that deep-rooted traditions such as, considering marriage as a success for the girl and her family, ensuring virginity of the girl when she marries, concern that the girl will become too old for marriage, and creating a bond with the bridegroom's family are the major reasons for child marriage. The study refuted the widely-accepted view that economic factors are the major reason for early marriage. It also showed that early marriage is a cause for divorce, obstetric fistula, bearing too many children, and maternal and child health problems. Early marriage is one of the main reasons girls drop out of school and thereby contributes to women's inequality in terms of economic and decision-making power within households.