| dc.description.abstract | Background: Child marriage, or early marriage, is defined as any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. According to Phase I 2016-2019 report of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, it was estimated that 115 million boys worldwide were married before turning 18 years old. Approximately 1 in 21 young men were married during their childhood. Young boys who enter matrimony are compelled to shoulder adult responsibilities for which they may be unprepared.
Objective: To identify perceptions, experiences, and life opportunities associated with early marriage among former child grooms in Nepal.
Data Materials and Methods: A qualitative and phenomenological study design was used in this research. This study was done in the Baitadi district of Nepal. Two primary methods (Focused Group Discussion and Semi-structured Interview) were used to collect data. Altogether one FGD and 11 interviews were conducted through self-developed interview and FGD guides, and all the information from the FGD and interviews were recorded, then transcribed and thematically analyzed.
Results: Participants were married between the ages of 12 and 18 years, aligning with the prevailing societal trend at the time of their marriage. Family circumstances and responsibilities, assisting ageing parents with household activities, fulfilling parental wishes, economic constraints, and societal, traditional, and cultural norms and practices were found to be root causes of early marriage, as narrated by the study participants. Soon after marriage, it was found that boys and young men were obliged to prioritize family obligations over personal development. The focus of their life shifted to economic provision, caring for family, and managing household and parenthood responsibilities. This often led to school dropouts and limited work opportunities later in life. The study found that in recent years there has been an evolution in marital practices. People are no longer restricted to arranged marriages, and many marriages are delayed until the early 20s or later. | |
