#16Days: In Ethiopia, Fiker Chose Education Over an Early Marriage

Last year, Fiker discovered that her parents were secretly arranging her marriage to a man she had never met. At 13 years old, she was shocked and upset, but not defenseless.

Through a USAID-supported girls’ club, Fiker had learned about the harmful consequences of child and early marriage. Married girls under 15 are five times more likely to die in childbirth than married women in their 20s. They are also more likely to experience complications of childbirth and are at greater risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Child marriage is widespread in Ethiopia, even though it is illegal. In the Amhara Region where Fiker is from, child marriage rates are among the highest in the world. Almost 50% of girls were married before the age of 15 and some married as early as age 7.

Determined not to become one of the 50%, Fiker reported her situation to her school’s girl club and also went to the police. With their support, she refused to accept the early marriage.

Fiker’s future looks bright. She just completed sixth grade at the top of her class. “I have learned about the consequences of child marriage. I prefer an education before a husband.”

In addition to the girls’ clubs, USAID works to raise awareness and increase communication and coordination between community members, law enforcement, religious leaders, and educators to stop this harmful practice. Since December 2013, nearly 1,500 child marriage arrangements were cancelled. Courts have also begun to judicially revoke some child marriages and punish perpetrators.