Child Marriage and Its Consequences in the Chepang Community of Makawanpur, Nepal

Vollständiger Abstract

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The Chepang represent one of Nepal's most marginalized indigenous groups, mainly living in the distant hilly areas of Makwanpur, Chitwan, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. Even with social and economic shifts, child marriage continues to be a prevalent custom in numerous Chepang households. Early marriage is largely influenced by poverty, limited educational achievement, and conventional socio-cultural beliefs. Child marriage negatively impacts the education, health, and general welfare of Chepang children, especially girls, restricting their future prospects and growth. The primary aim of this research is to examine the reasons and effects of child marriage within the Chepang indigenous group in Ward No. 8 Dhirang tole of Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur District. This research took place in Ward No. 8 (Dhirang) of Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur District, to investigate the factors affecting and outcomes of child marriage within the Chepang community. A qualitative descriptive research design was used, and primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with twenty purposely chosen Chepang households, along with supplementary secondary sources. The gathered data were examined through descriptive and thematic methods to determine the key causes, trends, and effects of child marriage in the research area. The research results indicate that child marriage continues to be common within the Chepang community, even with legal prohibitions and awareness initiatives. Early marriage was found to be primarily caused by poverty, insufficient education, traditional cultural beliefs, and pressure from family. Child marriage has led to school abandonment, early pregnancies, health issues, and financial reliance among young girls. The research highlights the importance of education, awareness initiatives, economic empowerment, and strong law enforcement to eradicate child marriage. Child marriage in the Chepang community persists in obstructing the educational, health, and socio-economic progress of children, especially girls. The research indicates the necessity for focused awareness initiatives, enhanced educational opportunities, and more robust enforcement of child safety legislation.