Survivors’ perspectives on the causes and consequences of child marriages in rural Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study explored the causes and consequences of child marriages from a survivors’ perspective in Chireya Ward 3, Gokwe North, Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. A phenomenological design was used in this study. The sample comprised 6 survivors of child marriages. Data were collected using interviews with the 6 survivors of child marriages. Data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that underage girls were largely forced into early marriages by poverty. A majority of rural girls from poor families dropped out of school in lower levels and were forced into early marriages as the only prospect for the future. The narratives by survivors also revealed that child marriages were detrimental to child development, as the girl child was deprived of her freedom, opportunity for personal development and other fundamental rights. Thus, the practice creates a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability in girl children, their families and impacts negatively on national development. Recommendations were made.