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Prevalence of Cultural Beliefs on Early Child Marriage in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State

Muhammad Rahinat Zakariyau, Otaida Eikojonwa

Abstract

Early child marriage is a significant issue in northern Nigeria, particularly in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. Cultural beliefs, such as fear of promiscuity, family honour preservation, and religious interpretations, drive early marriage. Poverty and limited educational opportunities also reinforce the practice. The consequences include educational disruption, emotional trauma, limited personal development, and intergenerational poverty. 89% of participants believe early marriage is perpetuated across generations through traditional norms, societal pressure, and economic vulnerabilities. Legal and institutional frameworks exist, but 53% perceive their influence as only partial without community engagement. Effective strategies include collaboration with religious and community leaders, legislative reinforcement, education-based interventions, and empowerment programs for girls. The Study provides a foundation for localized policy interventions and community-led advocacy.

Keywords

Early child marriagecultural beliefsGender normsintergenerational practices

References

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