Factors associated with harmful practices of rape and early marriage, legal issues, and challenges in some selected districts in the South Gondar Zone, Amhara region in Ethiopia

Abstract

Harmful societal practices, like child marriage and rape, are widely prevalent in Ethiopia. The reasons for society's rules are fluid and depend on the socio-cultural orientation of the people. The research aimed to understand the factors that influence early marriage and rape and investigate challenges and legal concerns in the county's gender-based violence laws. The study used a descriptive-qualitative approach with multiple cases. As a method of data collection coupled with a guide, twelve in-depth interviews with local elders, nine key informant interviews with victim women, girls, and parents, and three focus group discussions (one in each district) with law practitioners, harmful practice prevention team members, and gender-based violence officers from the women and children's offices were employed. The study found that high unemployment, distant school placement, cultural norms and values, and economic and social insecurity are the determinants of early marriage and rape. The study recognized challenges in crime investigation, legal and law enforcement issues, corruption, insufficient administration, and information gaps. Moreover, the study recommends creating adequate target-based awareness and capacity building for stakeholders, empowering women and their families, wisely utilizing religious leaders and the elderly, amending the country’s gender-based violence law, and punishing criminals.