Factors Associated with Child Marriages in Zimbabwe: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey

Naomi N Wekwete, University of Zimbabwe
Ronald Musizvingoza, United Nations University
Wellington Murenjekwa, Ministry of Health and Child Care

Child marriages are of major concern in Zimbabwe. The study’s aim was to investigate factors associated with child marriages in Zimbabwe. The study utilised data from the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey from whom a total of 1,697 women aged 20-24 participated in the survey. The study shows that 32% of the women aged 20-24 years were married before age 18 and 11.9% by age 15. The analysis shows that women who had attained the highest level of education and were from the richest households were the least likely to marry as children. Women who were in polygamous marriages, had an age difference of 5-10 years with their spouse/partner, and with more siblings of 3 to 5 were more likely to have experienced child marriages. There is need for policies and programmes that support and promote girls’ education and social investment and empowerment within communities to reduce poverty.