Abstract:
The study investigated the economic and psychosocial characteristics of people married as children in Menoaneng, Mokhotlong Lesotho. The study employed mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods to reach samples, collect, and analyze data. The study sample was 20 people resident and married as children which were selected using a Simple Random Sampling from a Sampling Frame of people of Menoaneng only. Two Key Informants were further selected using Purposive Sampling. The main tool for collecting data was the semi-structured questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis through Univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and thematic analysis. The study found that people married as children were economically disadvantaged, experienced negative psychological effects, were socially isolated, and deprived of decision-making powers within their families during the early years of marriage. At a later stage in marriage, there was some leverage they were afforded in decision-making.
Recommendations raised in the study include: Improving agricultural methods to improve the economic status of people married as children, partnership with the government and non-governmental organizations to introduce vocational training skills development programs was recommended to ameliorate the ordeal of people married as children. Vocational training was seen as crucial as some of the people married as children were not willing to go back to school because of the parenthood responsibilities and humiliation and stigma. The study further recommended curbing child marriage through legislation and penalties for perpetrators and enablers of child marriage. Making education more accessible for children from poor households through free exemption and combined social grants would be instrumental in helping curb child marriage.
