The Intelligence from The Economist Early to wed: child marriage in Africa
Apr 22, 2019
Child marriage has lasting impacts on girls in Africa. Discover how communities in Ethiopia are successfully fighting this issue, illustrated by the inspiring story of an 11-year-old girl escaping child marriage. The podcast also explores China's quirky Hanfu clothing trend and its underlying ethnic implications. Additionally, hear from Africa’s first Scrabble Champion about the game's significance in Nigeria and the emotional journey of competing internationally, wrapped in light-hearted reflections on personal preferences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Werke's Story
- In Ethiopia, Werke, an 11-year-old girl, faced pressure to marry for economic reasons.
- She bravely reported her parents to school officials, successfully halting the marriage.
Bud Bahanela's Story
- Bud Bahanela, married at nine, attempted to marry off her daughter, Taseyu, due to economic hardship.
- This highlights the cyclical nature of child marriage despite the suffering it causes.
Cultural Factors
- Cultural factors, beyond economics, contribute to child marriage.
- Older generations believe it leads to stronger marriages and ensures the bride's virginity.