‘The School Was Closed, So When They Brought Me A Husband I Couldn’t Say No’: Exploring the Gendered Experiences of Child Marriage Amongst Adolescent Girls and Boys in Ethiopia
Outcomes: Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms deeply influence marriage decisions, especially those related to gender roles and adulthood. For girls, early marriage is often expected and seen as a path to social acceptance. For boys, marriage can be a way to prove maturity and secure social status. These expectations are reinforced by families, peers, and religious leaders. Effective programs must work to shift these community-level norms and provide young people with viable alternatives through education and empowerment.
Objectives This study explored the gendered experiences of child marriage among adolescent girls and boys in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions. It aimed to understand the distinct drivers of adolescent-initiated versus parent-arranged marriages and how these are shaped by context-specific economic pressures and gender norms.
Methods Researchers used a qualitative, exploratory design with two rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted between 2017 and 2020. They spoke with 190 adolescents, 44 parents, and 20 community key informants across two child marriage hotspot regions. The study was grounded in a capabilities framework and analyzed using thematic methods to understand individual and collective drivers of marriage practices.
Results The study found significant differences across regions. In Oromia, adolescent-initiated marriages were common and often influenced by social events like shegoye dances and peer pressure. In Amhara, parent-arranged marriages dominated, frequently involving very young girls with little or no agency. Economic hardship, breakdown of family structures, school closures, and pressure from community figures were identified as major drivers. Boys, while less affected, sometimes married early due to peer pressure or to assume adult roles. Legal frameworks were inconsistently applied, and community norms often contradicted national laws.
Conclusions Child marriage in Ethiopia is shaped by complex, intersecting factors that vary across regions. While girls are more vulnerable, boys are also at risk in specific contexts. Interventions must consider these local dynamics and address both adolescent-initiated and arranged marriages. Policies should strengthen enforcement of laws, expand education access, and support families economically.
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