Sociocultural dynamics that perpetuate early girl child marriage in Uganda: A qualitative analysis

Abstract XXIst ISPCAN International Congress for the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Calgary, Canada – August 28 – 31, 2016 Theme: Children in crisis: Child marriage Title: Sociocultural dynamics that perpetuate... [ view full abstract ]

Abstract
XXIst ISPCAN International Congress for the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Calgary, Canada – August 28 – 31, 2016
Theme: Children in crisis: Child marriage
Title: Sociocultural dynamics that perpetuate early girl child marriage in Uganda: a qualitative analysis.
Moses Ntenga; Joy for Children-Uganda
David Mafigiri; CeSSRA, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University, dmk28@case.edu

Objectives: To examine beliefs, perceptions and experiences perpetuating early child marriage in Uganda.

Methods: Twenty (10 urban, 10 rural) in-depth interviews with women who were married as children and are receiving support from Joy for Children, an NGO that intervenes to help control early child marriage through community based approaches in Kampala City (Central region), Kabarole (West) and Butaleja (Eastern Uganda) districts. Qualitative analysis followed a content and thematic approach.

Results: Common beliefs and perceptions in the communities were found to contribute to the persistence of early child marriage. For example, it is assumed that as long as a girl goes into her menses then she is like a banana plantain that only ripens when it is mature! Persistence of early child marriage is also attributed to widespread social problems including poverty, displacement and other humanitarian emergencies, which disenfranchise the populace. Most participants perceived their adult parents/caretakers to have been aware that child marriage was illegal in Uganda and knew of laws to prevent it. Violence, poverty, disenfranchisement were commonly reported experiences reported by women who were married as children.
Conclusions: Despite a number of interventions to reduce child marriage, it remains at unacceptable proportions. We recommend that a combination of community-based, child friendly efforts that focus on prolonged schooling opportunities for girls, as well as engagement with the communities primarily as partners rather than as enforcers of law and order to help control child marriage.