Institute of Development Studies

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    Factors leading men to marry girls under 18 years: the case of Mtwara District Council
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Augustino, Joyce
    This study analysed factors that influence men to marry young girls under 18 years in Mtwara District Council. Specifically, the study explored men’s perceptions of early marriages, various social, economic and cultural factors that drive men to marry young girls, and effects of early marriages in Mtwara District Council. Qualitative and quantitave methods were used. A structured and open questionnaire was used to interview sixty respondents. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS programme and summarized in a frequency distribution, and bar charts analysis. The findings reveal that virginity plays a vital role in attracting men of Mtwara to early marriage. In addition, norms, customs and religious beliefs perpetuates the practice. Bad attitudes of men towards women cover a large area in Mtwara District. Further, poverty has been identified by the respondents as the major economic problem for underage girls’ marriages. With regard to effects, school dropout and poor performance are the consequences of the early marriages in Mtwara District. Our study recommends early marriage awareness campaigns and specific strategies like involving men in the programmes of alleviating child marriages. Engaging parents of the adolescent boys and girls in any intervention concerning child marriage. Gender transformative training should be provided to men and all traditional leaders.