Drivers of child marriage in eastern Sudan

Abstract

There are several causes that contribute to child marriage in eastern Sudan, including poverty, lack of education for girls, avoiding stigma and the legality of child marriage. However, tradition and protection of girls’ chastity and morality emerged as the most important driver across the three eastern Sudanese states, including in poor and rural areas. Girls are forced to marry early because they are stereotyped as being prone to premarital sexual relations which would be damaging to the family and community’s honour. Protecting girls from immoral behaviour ( sutra ) is a clear motivation behind the continuation of child marriage in eastern Sudan.