Abstract:
Early child marriage poses significant risks to the physical, emotional, and social well
being of young girls, depriving them of their rights to education, health, and autonomy.
To address the problem, the study assessed the effectiveness of the community
mobilization strategy in preventing early child marriage among girls in Tarime District
Council. The study was guided by three specific research objectives which were to
identify the key community mobilization strategies in preventing early child marriage
among girls, to investigate the impact of community mobilization efforts in the
prevention of early child marriage among girls, and to find out challenges facing
community mobilization strategy in preventing early child marriage. The study adopted
a pragmatism research philosophy, a mixed-method research approach, and a convergent
research design. The target population was 397 individuals. Probability and non
probability sampling techniques were used to obtain 93 research participants through
purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected by using
interview guides, questionnaires, and a document analysis guide. The validity and
reliability of the research instrument were ensured by IAA experts and pilot testing. Data
was analysed through descriptive and thematic analysis techniques. Findings revealed
awareness campaigns and involvement of community leaders as key mobilization
strategies while low engagement in discussions about early child marriage and
deficiency in support services for at-risk girls facing early marriage. Also, findings
revealed awareness about the risks associated with early marriage, a significant
disagreement regarding the perception of girls' empowerment to resist early marriages, a
slight decrease in early marriages due to community mobilisation initiatives, cultural
barriers, insufficient funding, and inadequately trained individuals leading mobilisation
strategies. To mitigate the problem, the study highlighted the need for interventions
addressing cultural barriers, securing adequate funding, strengthening community
engagement, empowering at-risk girls, and fostering collaboration with local leaders.
