Girls Education Behavioral Change Strategy

Early marriage is defined as any form of marriage that takes place before a child has reached 18 years of age. Marriage by abduction, on the other hand, can be carried out in various ways, including with the consent of the girl's family or the girl herself. In some cases, the abduction is carried out after the engagement process has been completed, while in other cases, it is done without the family's knowledge. The abduction can be a result of disasters or economic hardships, which can lead to the usual bride-wealth being absent. In some cases, the girl is aware of the impending abduction, but not the exact date and place. The health risks associated with early marriage are severe, including severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth, obstructed labor, and obstetric fistula. Young girls who become pregnant experience higher levels of maternal mortality and morbidity compared to older mothers. Studies have shown an association between teenage pregnancy with pregnancy-induced hypertension, anemia, fetal loss, and abnormal deliveries. Poverty is a major factor contributing to early marriage or marriage by abduction, particularly in poorer households. Girls are viewed as an additional burden on family resources, leading to their marriage at an earlier age as a means of family survival. In some cases, the girl's family may also be involved in the abduction process, either by consent or coercion. The practice of early marriage and abduction is deeply ingrained in Ethiopian culture, with some communities viewing it as a necessary rite of passage to womanhood. The practice is also seen as a means of securing economic stability and economic security through marriage and childbearing. However, this practice has severe consequences, including physical and psychological trauma, psychological trauma, and psychosexual trauma. The BESO II/SCOPE project aims to address the issue of harmful traditional practices in Ethiopia, including early marriage and abduction. The project seeks to create awareness among communities, elders, teachers, students, and practitioners about the negative consequences of these practices on girls' education, retention, and overall well-being. The project also aims to facilitate dialogue and consensus-building among communities to identify strategies to fight and eradicate these practices. The project will provide a facilitator's guide to help communities, PTAs, and GEACs to organize and lead discussions on harmful traditional practices. The guide will provide information on the definition, causes, and consequences of these practices, as well as strategies for addressing them. The project will also provide a safe space for communities to share their experiences and concerns, and to identify solutions to these issues. The BESO II/SCOPE project is a collaborative effort between Save the Children US and other stakeholders to address the issue of harmful traditional practices in Ethiopia. The project aims to create a safe and supportive environment for girls to pursue their education and reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of these practices, the project seeks to promote girls' education, health, and overall well-being, and to create a more equitable and just society for all. The project will also provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue of harmful traditional practices in Ethiopia, including early marriage and abduction. The project will provide information on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of these practices, as well as strategies for addressing them. The project will also provide a safe space for communities to share their experiences and concerns, and to identify solutions to these issues. The BESO II/SCOPE project is a critical step towards addressing the issue of harmful traditional practices in Ethiopia. The project seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for girls to pursue their education and reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of these practices, the project aims to promote girls' education, health, and overall well-being, and to create a more equitable and just society for all.