The Dire Consequence of Drought: Worsening Child Marriage in Ethiopia

By Lidya Belete

The rise in child marriage in Ethiopia, fueled by desperation and economic instability, paints a bleak picture for young girls in affected areas.

According to UNICEF-Ethiopia, child marriage rates have surged dramatically across certain areas of the Oromia region. As reported, there has been an alarming average increase of 119% in child marriages between 2021 and 2022.

Families resort to marrying off their young daughters not only to earn dowries but also as a desperate attempt to ensure that their children will be fed by wealthier families. This disheartening trend underscores the pivotal role played by drought in exacerbating the problem of child marriage.

The Guardian reported on October 10, 2023, that girls are increasingly being forced into marriage in drought affected areas of Somali region. The scarcity of resources and basic necessities intensifies economic hardships, pushing families to make distressing choices. This distressing reality puts even more young girls at risk of early and forced marriages, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

While there is limited data available on the situation in the drought-ravaged regions of the Amhara region, anecdotal evidence suggests that child marriages are alarmingly prevalent during such periods. Conversations with friends residing in the area have confirmed that marrying off young girls becomes an unfortunate trend in times of drought. The juxtaposition of these girls' despair, hopelessness, and their forced endurance of unimaginable hardships paints a distressing picture that demands immediate action.

Young girls forced into early marriages are stripped of their right to education, condemning them to a life of limited opportunities. They are coerced into marrying individuals they hardly know, often significantly older than themselves, perpetuating a cycle of power imbalances and gender inequalities. Their potential is stifled and their futures compromised by a society that undervalues their dreams and aspirations.

While the task of saving the entire world may seem insurmountable, each one of us possesses the power to make a difference in the lives of those affected by child marriage in drought-ridden regions of Ethiopia. By collaborating with organizations, supporting local initiatives, and raising awareness, we can help transform the lives of young girls, offering them hope, education, and the chance to break free from the vicious cycle of child marriage. Let us join hands to ensure that every child's potential is nurtured, protected, and celebrated, for in doing so, we can truly save someone's world.

If we can’t save the world, let`s save someone's!