Family Assets

Abstract

The problem of child marriage in Turkana rests on the economic and social value of the girl. Enduring perceptions of girls as assets rather than rights-bearing individuals underpin the high levels of child marriage in Turkana. However the issue needs also to be understood in a wider context of development and education failures, as well as the livelihood pressures and insecurity making many families increasingly desperate. Ultimately a transformation in gender roles will be required in Turkana, to free girls from marriages which bring significant economic benefits to their families. However, if the governments of Turkana County and Kenya are to eliminate this illegal practice, it is essential that a long-term strategy be developed which recognizes and addresses the various push or pull factors.