Erulkar, A. (2022) “Changes in the prevalence of child marriage in Ethiopia, 2005–2016”, Reproductive Health, 19(S1).
Overviwe: This paper examines the proportion of young women married both during early adolescence and before age 18, which are commonly used standards of expressing child marriage prevalence. Variables were constructed to reflect those married by age 15 and age 18, and the cohort of young women ages 20-24 was selected to account for censored cases. Trends over three successive surveys are analysed, with the percentage change between 2005 and 2011 calculated using the change in proportions married between 2005 and 2011, divided by 2005 levels of child marriage.
Methodology: This study examines data from the most recent three rounds of the EDHS national household surveys, which were conducted in 2005, 2011, and 2016. Using variables related to marital status and age at marriage/cohabitation, the analysis looks at the percentage of young women who get married during their early adolescence and before turning 18. To account for censored cases and the youngest cohort of women, the study chooses young women between the ages of 20 and 24.
Finding: This study analyses child marriage trends in Ethiopia’s subnational regions, focusing on program managers, policymakers, and donors. It provides guidance on positive progress and areas for geographical focus in child marriage prevention and support programs. The analysis does not examine risk factors or correlates of child marriage but aims to maximise programmatic resources. Ethiopia’s government has shown commitment to eradicating child marriage and increasing educational participation, with laws and policies supporting the elimination of child marriage. However, the results do not allow for conclusive conclusions on the causes of these changes.
Ethiopia’s government has shown commitment to eradicating child marriage, with laws and policies supporting the elimination of child marriage and widespread attention from NGOs. However, other factors, such as changing economies, security issues, and underreporting of the practice, may contribute to the declines observed. Further research is needed to determine why some locations in Ethiopia succeeded in reducing child marriage while others remained unchanged or experienced increases.
Conclsuion: In conclusion, child marriage has become less prevalent in Ethiopia over the past ten years. Ethiopia needs to reconsider its emphasis on prevention efforts, focusing on rural areas and underserved regions like Afar, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Oromia in order to maximise returns on efforts. The use of district-level data will help with focused efforts.