Key Social Norms Take-aways Child marriage in Senegal is sustained by deeply rooted patriarchal gender norms that prioritize family honor, control of girls’ sexuality, and male authority in decision-making. Social expectations about preserving girls’ virginity, avoiding premarital pregnancy, and maintaining family reputation create pressure on families to marry girls early. These norms interact with poverty and gender inequality, reinforcing practices that limit girls’ autonomy. Adolescents themselves recognize these norms but often express aspirations to delay marriage in order to complete education and gain financial independence.

Objectives The study aimed to document how gender norms shape adolescents’ perceptions of child marriage in the Senegalese municipalities of Kaolack and Gossas and to identify solutions proposed by adolescents to prevent or reduce the practice.

Methods The study used a qualitative design, including 30 individual interviews with adolescents aged 10–19 and eight focus group discussions with the same age group. Interviews were conducted in Wolof, transcribed into French, and coded using Dedoose software. Analysis combined deductive and inductive approaches guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework and its adaptation incorporating social and gender norms to explore how family, community, and societal factors influence perceptions of child marriage.

Results Adolescents identified poverty, tradition, fear of premarital pregnancy, and the need to preserve girls’ honor and virginity as key drivers of child marriage. Many participants described child marriage as embedded in patriarchal family structures where fathers hold primary decision-making power and mothers have limited influence. While some adolescents acknowledged that early marriage is perceived as a way to protect family reputation or prevent sexual activity outside marriage, most reported that they themselves were not ready for marriage and preferred to continue their education and secure employment first. Adolescents recommended strategies such as raising awareness among parents, community discussions, media campaigns, and youth education through schools, social networks, and community centers to discourage the practice.

Conclusions Child marriage in Senegal persists due to intersecting social norms and gender inequalities operating across multiple levels of adolescents’ social environments. Addressing the practice requires interventions that engage families and communities, challenge patriarchal norms controlling girls’ sexuality, and integrate gender-transformative approaches within broader social change frameworks.