By Paul Odhiambo, DevReporter, Homa Bay County
Over the years, the issue of early marriage has been a great challenge to many communities and countries around the globe. In some contexts, young girls are married off early as part of custom practices while for others, it is to get wealth in terms of dowry.
Among the Suba community living along Lake Victoria region in Homa-Bay County, South west Kenya, early marriage practice is rampant.
Mrs Jane Owino who is a mother of two is victim of early marriage. She was married off at the tender age of 14 because of poverty. Jane says that her father convinced her to get married early so that they could get some money to feed the then young family, and also get some bulls to help till their land.
Causes of early marriage in Suba
According to Suba Sub-County Children’s Officer, Mr Samuel Odhiambo, there are a number of factors that contribute to early marriages in the area, and they include:
- Poor living standards and poverty which have lead to massive school dropouts.
- Lack of parental guidance since some parents do not guide their children on the dangers of early sexuality and marriage.
- Customs and traditions where some members of the community believe that girls are sources of wealth.
Effects of early marriage
Early marriages is a major contributor to poor health. Giving birth while young, girls experience serious delivery challenges that affect their health, including mentally.
According to Inter African Committee Researchers, most girls are unhappy in such imposed marriage and therefore feel isolated and have nobody to talk to as they are surrounded by people who endorse their situation, coupled with lack of interest from elders. Girls who find themselves in such a situation often feel traumatised.
These traumas are however generally regarded by the society as unavoidable part of life as girls who run home to their parents are beaten and sent back to their husbands.
Prevention of early marriage
Mr Odhiambo says that laws and policies that protect young girls should be enforced at all costs to ensure that young girls are protected from forced early marriages.
To help mitigate early marriages, Mr Odhiambo adds that young girls should get financial support to continue with their studies instead.
He further adds that school authorities should educate young girls, emphasising on the importance of education for a better future.
Mr Odhiambo also underscores the need of creating awareness on the importance of educating the girl child and the dangers of early marriages through deliberate campaigns in the society.
Also all community stakeholders such as religious and other leaders at all levels of the society should work together against all outdated cultural practices like early marriage in Suba Sub County.
Related links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbvQh9fjEKo
