Attitudes, perception and beliefs towards child marriage: a case study [of] Jinja City-Southern Division

Abstract

Child marriage is a global problem affecting millions of girls across the world. It is considered a human rights violation because it deprives those involved of education and health services, the chance to learn skills and develop their personalities and leaves them vulnerable. It is an appalling violation of human rights and robs girls of their education, health and long-term prospects, says Babatunde Osotimehin, M.D. Executive Direct, UNFPA. Despite the physical damage and the persistent discrimination to young girls, little progress has been made towards ending the practice of child marriage. This is commonly caused by increasing levels of poverty, low levels of education backed by cultural and traditional beliefs of securing the lives of girls in marriage. In fact, the problem threatens to increase with the expanding youth population in developing world.

The report puts together findings and recommendations from different research about child, early and forced marriage in Uganda to guide and encourage policy makers, programme designers and implementers of the processes of mitigating the vice.