Child and Forced Marriage in Tigray: A Crisis Acknowledged
Understanding the Impact of War on Child Marriage
In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, child and forced marriage has emerged as a critical concern, exacerbated by the devastating conflict from 2020 to 2022. This war halted years of progress in education and community advocacy aimed at reducing these harmful practices. Previously on the decline, child marriage has resurfaced, driven by extreme poverty, displacement, and systemic collapse.
The Underlying Causes of Early Marriage
Child marriage in Tigray has deep roots, including economic hardship, gender inequality, and entrenched cultural traditions. The recent conflict has exacerbated these issues, leading to significant challenges that families face, such as hunger and lack of access to essential services.
Research by GEMTigray highlights that the humanitarian crisis has forced many families to see early marriage as a means of survival. A 2022 investigation found credible evidence of genocide against Tigrayans, creating a situation where governance has collapsed and essential protective systems have disintegrated.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Its Implications
Currently, nearly one million individuals in Tigray are displaced, disrupting family structures and eroding community support systems. The widespread famine has made marrying off daughters a perceived survival strategy. Essential services, such as healthcare and education, have significantly deteriorated or disappeared altogether.
Furthermore, the use of conflict-related sexual violence as a weapon of war has complicated the matter. Many families are left with few options, leading them to consider child marriage as a tragic solution amid dire conditions.
The Policy Landscape: Identifying Gaps
Ethiopia’s Revised Family Code sets the legal age of marriage at 18, adhering to international standards like the CEDAW and the CRC. Despite achieving a 38% reduction in child marriage between 2005 and 2016, these gains are now at risk due to the ongoing instability in Tigray.
UNICEF has pointed out that the current national budget lacks specific funding for child marriage prevention, particularly impacting vulnerable regions like Tigray. This funding gap limits the effectiveness and sustainability of preventive programs.
The Path Forward: Guidelines for Change
To combat child and forced marriage in post-war Tigray, a strategic, multi-faceted approach is essential. Here are several critical guidelines:
-
Integrated Programs: Create programs that merge education, protection, and livelihood support, backed by consistent funding.
-
Rebuild Education Systems: Restore damaged schools and establish safe learning environments for displaced children. Link education with vocational training to provide long-term benefits.
-
Community Engagement: Collaborate with local leaders, elders, and families to promote girls’ education and reinforce legal marriage age norms.
-
Protect Legal Systems: Strengthening local justice institutions and training law enforcement can help create safer environments for women and girls.
-
Support Survivors: Expand access to sexual and reproductive health care, psychosocial services, and educational opportunities for at-risk girls and survivors of forced marriage.
-
Data-Driven Policy Making: Invest in regional surveys and integrate child marriage indicators into humanitarian planning, linking data to budget allocations for effective policy formulation.
-
Innovative Outreach: Utilize low-tech outreach solutions like community radio and print materials, while ensuring data privacy and security.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Ending child and forced marriage in Tigray is crucial for the region’s recovery from war and famine. To create lasting change, it is vital to address underlying issues such as poverty, inequality, and institutional destruction. Preventing these harmful practices not only protects vulnerable children but also restores dignity, hope, and opportunities for future generations of Tigray’s women and girls.
For more information on gender empowerment initiatives, visit GEMTigray and join the conversation on social media to stay connected and informed about this critical issue.
