What is it about?
This study examined the prevelance and sociodemographic determinants of early marriage among Somali ever-married women aged 20-49. Using the 2020 Somali Health and Demographic Survey, logistic regression modeled the probability of marrying before 15 or 18 while adjusting for sociodemographic and contextual variables. Of the respondents, 24.3% (95% CI: 22.6–26.1) married before 15, while the overall estimated prevalence of marriage before 18 was 41.7% (95% CI: 39.3–44.2). Early marriage was higher among women in younger age group 20-29 and those from Somalia (South, Central, and Puntland) compared to Somaliland. Also, women who ever used the internet or participated household decision-making had reduced odds of marrying before 18.
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Why is it important?
The study addresses an understudied issue in the Somali context and highlights generational and regional disparities. The study informs local and international policy frameworks that protect child rights and links empowerment with reduced risk of early marriage.
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This page is a summary of: A cross-sectional study of early marriage among ever-married Somali women: Prevalence, regional differences, and sociodemographic determinants, PLOS One, July 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329166.
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