Abstract:
This study explored the lived experiences of females who married before the
age of 18. The study was carried out at Wiaga, Siniesi, and Dogninga in the Bulsa
North and South Districts of Ghana's Upper East Region. The study investigated child
brides' lived experiences and coping techniques, variables that impact child marriage,
and approaches to alleviate the practise of child marriage among the Bulsas. The
study was founded on the interpretative paradigm and phenomenological design in
qualitative research to investigate the dynamics of child brides' experiences. The
snowball sampling approach was used to pick 14 participants for the study. Data was
gathered through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions
with child brides, the headmaster, the circuit supervisor, and Queen's mother and
anlaysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated repeating themes related to
cultural, economic, and social aspects of the Bulsa practise. The study also revealed
that despite the genuine experience of child brides being one of beating and
victimisation, the victims have been conditioned to remain silent in order to save their
husbands from being detained by law enforcement. Child brides face challenges
including psychological, emotional, physiological, physical, and sexual abuse. The
study reveals that child marriage is a big issue in the areas of investigation. To
address the issue, deliberate educational/awareness initiatives by headteachers and
opinion leaders’ activities should be implemented. This will be complemented with
coaching and therapy in order to encourage females to speak up when required, as
recommended by the study.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Counselling Psychology,
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Counselling Philosophy)
in the University of Education, Winneba
