Abstract:
Early marriage is a global issue affecting a wide range of nations, cultures, religions, and racial groups. Ethiopia is home to 15 million child brides. Of these, about 6 million were married before age 15. The purpose of this study was to explore the Community Awareness, Attitude and Practice of Early Marriage: in Ejersa Lafo Woreda West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, in Ethiopia. The data was collected from school students and community members using semi structured questionnaires, interview, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide. The study used a descriptive survey research design, and a random sampling technique was employed to select respondents for the questionnaire. Consequently a total of 180 students were included in the study to respond to the survey questionnaire and the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 20. The qualitative data was collected through interview and FGDs (two groups with 6 members each) have been involved in the FGDs. Similarly, five research participants were participated in in-depth interview. The qualitative data collected through FGD and interview was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that the students and members of the community have adequate knowledge about early marriage, the legal age for marriage, the health and legal consequence of early marriage. The results of this study also showed that the magnitude of early marriage is in a medium level and early marriage practice in the area is influenced by the community's customs towards marriage and the absence of proper legal practice that protect early marriage in the study area
