Assessing the impact of early marriage on teenage girls in Kenema city, Nongowa Chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Abstract

This study explores the changing social dynamics surrounding early marriage in the rural communities of Nongowa chiefdoms in Sierra Leone. Initially focused on understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to child marriage, our data collection revealed that this issue remains deeply concerning, particularly for young females. Child marriage has long been a significant problem in Sierra Leone, with detrimental effects on female education, increased maternal mortality rates, and the perpetuation of poverty. These research findings highlight the urgent need to address this issue, as many families facing financial difficulties often view early marriage as a viable option. Economic pressures can lead families to prioritize marriage as a means of securing a future for their daughters, despite the associated risks. Adolescents, especially females, face societal pressures and limited life opportunities that drive them toward early marriage. Peer influence and a desire for social status further compel young females to marry early, often without fully understanding the long-term implications. The lack of awareness and enforcement of legal protections for minors against early marriage has allowed these practices to persist. In conclusion, this study advocates for targeted interventions addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancy on girl child education, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, while raising awareness about children’s rights. Effective policy measures and social behavior change initiatives are crucial for reversing these trends and promoting healthy adolescent development in rural Sierra Leone. For this study, sixty (60) respondents were randomly selected as the sample size in the community of the research.