Abstract:
This study examines the gender implications of the Law of Marriage Act, No. 5 of 1971,
specifically in the context of Section 13. It also explores girls' attitudes towards child marriage
and examines gender implications in the practise of child marriage due to the growth of gender
disparity. The study employs a longitudinal research design whereby the life stories of married
girls were randomly collected and analysed. Data were divided into themes and subthemes to
respond to the research questions. The findings show that Section 13 of the Law of Marriage
Act No. 5 of 1971 allows girls to get married as early as the age of 15 years with the assumption
that, at that age, girls would be old enough to possess knowledge on how to take care of babies
and their home. It was discovered that girls' attitudes about child marriage were negatively
influenced by the presence of secondary schools in every ward, which raised awareness on the
importance of education in their lives. The study also concludes that the gap in marriage
eligibility between boys and girls serves as a vehicle for gender inequality as it contributes to
women's underdevelopment and lowers their status to realise their full potential in all
developmental activities. The article recommends that the government should open more
secondary schools in every village to increase girls' enrollment. Also, the government should
immediately amend Section 13 of the Law of Marriage Act, No. 5 of 1971, to comply with
International Human Rights Instruments which protect a girl child. It is advised that politicians
should consider gender perspectives and effects when enacting legislation.
