Plan International has considered that Child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) is a harmful practice, a form of gender-based violence, and a violation of children’s rights and the rights of girls and women, as well as a fundamental impediment to human development. In some circumstances, it can also amount to gender-based violence. While boys are also affected by child marriage, it has particularly adverse effects on girls and young women, curtailing their education, social engagement, and economic empowerment, violating their sexual and reproductive health and rights, limiting their autonomy, and placing them at increased risk of violence.

This study aims to provide an analysis of gender norms in a specific location (Mau Long commune, Yen Minh district, Ha Giang province) and among two ethnic minority groups (H’Mong and Dzao). The object is to help Plan International Vietnam obtain an insight into the complex issues arising from the cultural, social, and gender norms and enable actions to be developed to address these issues by changing the norms, attitudes, and behaviors of families and communities. Furthermore, the data collected will enable PIV to be well-informed and help achieve the strategic objectives of their country strategy for 2020-2025.

The study has considered a wide range of qualitative data collected via interviews and group discussions. The desk study was conducted before the field trip to ensure the understanding of child marriage, gender issues, as well as social norms in the H’Mong and Dzao EM groups. The study strictly followed the procedures to respect the rights of the informants whose participation was voluntary.

Two theoretical frameworks, preferences, options, and beliefs (UNICEF 2014) and the theory of normative spectrum (GPH, 2019), are the basis for part of the analysis.

Reference link: Researchers for Study “CEFM-the Power of Norms that Forces Girls to be Brides Early” | VUFO – NGO Resource Centre Vietnam