Abstract

EFFECTS OF CHILD MARRIAGES ON GIRLS’ HEALTH AND EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF KANYAMA COMPOUND IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Cheyo Sichali

Volume: 7 Issue: 4 2017

Abstract:

This study on the effects of Child Marriages, investigates the effects of child marriages on education and health in Kanyama Compound of Lusaka, Zambia. The objectives of this study were to: establish the reason leading to child marriages in Kanyama Compound; investigate the effects of child marriages; and assess the magnitude of the practise in the compound. The sample size was 85 which, was adopted by use of sampling approach in respect of accessibility of the sections and households to the researcher. The study revealed that: Child marriages were found to be caused primarily by high poverty levels. In addition, poorer communities like Kanyama Township do not provide an appropriate or conducive environment with significant and positive role models for young girls to look up to, and help them complete their education satisfactorily. Health problems are also a tangible consequence affecting girls who marry early. Higher HIV infection rates and complications during child birth are evident among the youngest Zambian wives. Malnutrition and other contagious diseases are highly prevalent in homes of such girls as they tend to have more children, since they start having children early. Poor income levels or none at all, means they cannot afford to provide adequate food and sanitation for their children.

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