How studying far from home fuels child marriages in Nzega

TABORA: ISAGENHE is one of over 10 villages in Nzega district, Tabora region, nestled at an elevation of approximately 1,203 metres.

The community there, bordered by villages like Genge Tisa, Nkumbo, Buhurio and Shilabela, grapples with a pressing issue; child marriages. Lack of secondary schools has become a significant factor driving many girls to abandon their education in favour of early marriages.

Statistics from the 2015/16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) highlight an alarming trend in the Tabora region, where child marriages have surged by 58 per cent, making it the second highest in Tanzania, following Shinyanga.

During a recent visit by the Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network (TECMN), various young women shared their distressing experiences, underscoring the urgent need for change.

Amina Said (not her real name) revealed that the considerable distance to schools is a primary driver of child marriages.

“In many rural areas, schools are far from homes, making transportation costs a burden for families, especially for girls,” Amina explained, her voice trembling with emotion.

“My parents decided to marry me off at 14 instead of allowing me to walk 12 kilometres daily to attend secondary school.”

She emphasised that in her community, education is often not a priority. “Many families see early marriage as a practical solution, believing it secures their daughters’ futures and reduces household expenses.”

Rehema Mayunga (not her real name) shared her struggle against early marriage, describing how cultural norms pressured her family to marry her off simply because she had reached a certain age.

“In our culture, when a girl comes of age, it is expected she accepts marriage,” she lamented.

For many families, early marriage is viewed as a rite of passage and social stigma surrounds unmarried girls, intensifying the pressure to conform to traditional expectations.

Jumanne Juma Shabani, the head teacher at Isagenhe Secondary School, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the lack of educational facilities as a contributing factor to the rise in child marriages.

“Many children travel between 12 to 15 kilometres to school, leading to dropouts and exposure to various dangers along the way,” he stated.

Moreover, Shabani noted that a lack of awareness about the importance of education fuels misconceptions that marriage is more valuable than schooling.

“In economically strained communities, immediate survival often trumps long-term educational investments,” he explained.

The consequences of child marriage are far-reaching. Girls who marry young frequently drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting their potential contributions to their families and communities.

Health risks are also significant; Dr Kuduishi Kisowile highlighted that young mothers face increased health complications, including maternal mortality.

“Many are unprepared for the challenges of parenthood and the lack of healthcare access exacerbates these issues,” he added.

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However, various stakeholders, including government and NGOs like Msichana Initiative and Binti Makin Foundation, are actively working to combat child marriage in Nzega. Their initiatives focus on raising awareness of the importance of education and the empowerment of girls.

One promising approach involves establishing schools closer to rural communities, reducing travel distances and encouraging families to prioritise education over marriage.

Educational campaigns also aim to shift societal attitudes, fostering a reevaluation of the value of delaying marriage in favour of education.

Also, engaging local leaders and community influencers is crucial in promoting these messages. By mobilising respected figures, these initiatives can cultivate a collective understanding of the importance of education and the risks associated with child marriage.

Empowering girls to advocate for their rights is another critical component. Local organisations are facilitating programs that equip girls with the knowledge and skills to resist early marriage and pursue their education.

Through workshops and mentorship, they learn about their rights, health education and the significance of education in achieving their dreams.

For meaningful change to take root, government policies must prioritise education and protect children from early marriage. This includes enforcing existing laws against child marriage and ensuring equal access to education for girls.

Additionally, increasing funding for educational programs in rural areas and integrating child rights and health education into school curricula can further inform young people about the dangers of early marriage.

In conclusion, child marriage in Nzega is a complex challenge rooted in cultural, economic and social factors. However, through collective efforts—community engagement, educational initiatives and policy reform—there is hope for a future where girls can pursue their dreams free from the constraints of early marriage.