Early and Forced Child Marriage on Girls’ Education, in Migori County, Kenya: Constraints, Prospects and Policy

Abstract

Early and forced marriage infringes rights of women and girls globally, undermining initiatives to raise involvementin education, reduce maternal mortality, increase employment and enterprise levels. Parental and Communalinvolvement in Early and Forced Child Marriage negatively influence Girls’ Education, which hinders theirparticipation in social, economic and politics in adulthood. The study focused on constraints, prospects and policydirection for improved participation of women in national development. The target population were young motherswho ideally should be in school but are out of school. The study targeted 30 women who got married before attainingage of 18years thus falling victims of Early and forced marriage. The study used both primary and secondary data;Key data was derived from field research while secondary data were sourced from books, policy documents,conventions and registration and reports as well as school records. Questionnaires and structured interview scheduleswere utilized to solicit primary data. Findings revealed thatqualityeducation is determinant of perceptions held byparents on practice of early marriage. Weak or non challant altitude on the implementation of policies and legislativeframeworks tended to perpetuate repugnant traditional and cultural practices. Again, the belief that girls are a sourceof wealth in certain communities and amount the poorest segment of the society aggravate the early and forcedmarriage pandemic. The study recommends review of existing laws to strengthen legal and policy frameworksthrough adherence to: Registration of Marriages, minimum Age for Marriage, African Charter on the Rights andWelfare of the Child, as well as proceed to set legal standards and prevent early and forced marriage.