Continuity and change: Marriage and Parenthood Among Ethiopian Adolescents
This report examines the changes in marriage practice in Ethiopia and explores the lived experience of married adolescents
Abstract
With changes brought about by education and urbanisation, adolescents and young people in Ethiopia have a greater say compared to previous generations in decisions about who, how and when they marry. Yet, despite this, customary and patriarchal norms still regulate marriage processes and practices, especially in rural areas, constraining girls鈥� and young women鈥檚 choices.
This new report examines the changes in marriage practice in Ethiopia and explores the lived experience of married adolescents. It argues that despite important initiatives and government interventions to prevent child marriage and delay early marriage, for the well-being of adolescent boys and especially girls, policy and programmes should pay more attention to the views, needs and rights of the millions of young people in Ethiopia who have already experienced early marriage, cohabitation, separation or divorce.
This brief, produced in partnership with UNICEF Ethiopia and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is based on two Young Lives research projects: 鈥楶athways to Marriage and Parenthood鈥� and 鈥榊oung Marriage and Parenthood鈥� (YMAPS)
Citation
Alula Pankhurst, 鈥淐ontinuity and change: Marriage and Parenthood Among Ethiopian Adolescents鈥�, Young Lives, March 2020