Mercy Dalizu
Child marriage is a deeply rooted practice that has persisted for centuries, affecting millions of children worldwide. It is a violation of human rights, endangering the lives and future of young girls and boys. It refers to any formal or informal union where one or both parties are below the age of 18. It predominantly affects girls, with approximately 12 million girls marrying below the age of 18 each year. In Nyalenda, one of the slums in Kisumu County, early marriage is rampant. Poverty, lack of education, and basic necessities force teenagers into sexual behavior in order to survive. This often leads to early marriage, as they see it as a way to escape poverty. Child marriage has devastating consequences for girls and their families. It can lead to early pregnancy, childbirth complications, and maternal death. It can also increase the risk of HIV infection, domestic violence, and social isolation.
There are a number of factors that contribute to child marriage, including poverty, gender inequality, and cultural norms. Child marriages are driven by a complex interplay of social, cultural, economic, and traditional factors. Poverty remains a significant driver, as families may view marriage as an economic relief, reducing the financial burden of raising a child. Deeply entrenched gender inequality, lack of education and limited economic opportunities for girls also contribute to child marriages.
Child marriages have far-reaching consequences that impact the lives of individuals, families, and societies as a whole. From a health perspective, early marriages expose young girls to the risks of premature pregnancies, maternal mortality, and childbirth complications due to their bodies being physically unprepared for pregnancy. Girls who marry early are often denied access to education, limiting their potential cycle of poverty.
They face higher rates of domestic violence, limited decision-making power, and restricted social and economic opportunities. Boys who marry young are also affected, as they may face increased responsibilities and financial pressures at an early age, hindering their education and personal development.
Effort to combat Child Marriages:
Governments, International organizations and civil society have recognized child marriage as a pressing issue and have taken steps to combat this harmful practice through awareness campaigns and community-based programs by promoting education, empowering girls, and challenging social norms that perpetuate child marriages. Improving access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services, can contribute to reducing child marriages and promoting overall well-being.
Child marriages remain a significant global concern, depriving millions of children of their fundamental rights and hindering progress towards gender equality and sustainable development. Eradicating child marriages requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes, including poverty, gender inequality, and limited educational opportunities. By investing in education. Empowering girls, and promoting legal and social reforms, we can foster a world where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Government in partnership with local NGOs to also work with Community Health Volunteers in Nyalenda slums to address the issue of poverty. This can be achieved by encouraging the youths and families at large to embrace education.
Mercy Dalizu, Naya, Saic II
SAIC II (Safe and Inclusive Cities) is a programme that aims at promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and SGBV interventions by sharpening skills, and providing opportunities to young people so as to drive sustainable, gender-transformative change in society. It also aims at ensuring that the civil society protects the rights of young people and is responsive to their needs. The interventions will take part in informal settlements in Nairobi (Mathare, Huruma, Kibera) and Kisumu (Nyalenda, Kondele).
