Causes and effects of early marriage on the girl-child in Suba sub - county, Western Kenya

Abstract

This study set out to explore the causes and effects of early marriage on the girl-child in Suba sub-County. The specific objectives were to investigate and to determine the causes and effects of early marriage on the girl-children in the sub-County. The study was guided by radical feminist theory which analyzes patriarchy as the cause of women’s oppression and this in turn hinders them from participating in educational activities equal to men. Data were collected through survey method, focus group discussions, direct observation, key informant interviews and narratives. The study found that girls drop out of school at an early age due to poverty and end up marrying early because of not having anything meaningful to do. The study, therefore, concludes that early marriage exists and it affects the girl-child education in this sub-County. The study recommends that the law prohibiting early marriage be enforced. Finally, it recommends parents to counsel their daughters once they reach adolescent stage and equip them with necessary materials such as sanitary towels, books and a little pocket money for lunch to protect them from the lures of fishermen.