Effectiveness of Community Mobilization Strategy in Preventing Early Child Marriage among Girls

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.