Early Marriage Drives Alcohol, Drug Abuse Among Ntcheu Girls – AfricaBrief

Report on the Adolescent Girls and Young Women Empowerment Project in Ntcheu, Malawi

Introduction

In Ntcheu district, Malawi, forced early marriages have been identified as a significant factor contributing to alcohol and drug abuse among adolescent girls. This report highlights the challenges faced by young women in the region and the interventions implemented through the Adolescent Girls and Young Women Empowerment for Prevention of Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse (AGYWASA) project. The project aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Context and Challenges

• Early Marriage and Substance Abuse: Economic hardship and parental neglect have led to early marriages, which in turn fuel substance abuse among adolescent girls as a coping mechanism.
• Case Study – Judith Matipwiri: Forced into marriage at age 14, Judith experienced trauma that resulted in alcohol and cannabis use and school dropout. Her experience reflects a wider community issue.
• Parental Neglect: Lack of parental guidance and support leaves adolescents feeling unloved and vulnerable to substance abuse.

Project Intervention and Impact

The AGYWASA project provides safe spaces for adolescent girls where they receive:

1. Counselling services to address trauma and substance abuse.
2. Education about their rights, empowering them to resist early marriage and substance use.
3. Mentorship programs to build confidence and life skills.
4. Support networks that encourage school retention and personal development.

Through these interventions, participants like Judith Matipwiri have been able to return to school and become advocates for change within their communities.

Community and Leadership Involvement

• Traditional Leaders: Village Headman Ganya emphasizes the role of traditional leaders in protecting girls and women from harm and supports the AGYWASA project’s objectives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Calls have been made for chiefs and stakeholders to collaborate in creating safer environments that break the cycles of poverty, early marriage, and substance abuse.

Project Implementation and Support

• The AGYWASA project is implemented by the Dedza Diocese Catholic Health Commission in Ntcheu and Blantyre districts and at the national level.
• Funding is provided by A Will in Norway through Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By addressing substance abuse and promoting mental health through counselling.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Supporting girls to remain in school and pursue their goals.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Empowering girls with knowledge of their rights and resisting early marriage.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Engaging traditional leaders and communities to protect vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

The AGYWASA project represents a vital initiative in Ntcheu, Malawi, addressing the intertwined issues of early marriage and substance abuse among adolescent girls. Through counselling, education, mentorship, and community engagement, the project contributes significantly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a safer and more equitable environment for young women to thrive.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article addresses substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) among adolescent girls, which directly relates to health and well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The project supports adolescent girls to stay in school and pursue their goals, countering early school dropout caused by early marriage and substance abuse.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on preventing early marriage and empowering adolescent girls through education about their rights and mentorship.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Traditional leaders and community stakeholders are urged to protect girls and create safer environments, promoting inclusive societies and protection from harm.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The project is implemented through partnerships involving local commissions, international donors, and community leaders.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Prevalence of substance use disorders among adolescents (implied through focus on alcohol and drug abuse).
   • Number of adolescents receiving counseling and support services for substance abuse.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Completion rates of secondary education among adolescent girls in the targeted communities.
   • School dropout rates linked to early marriage and substance abuse.
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of girls married before age 18 in the community.
   • Access to education and empowerment programs for adolescent girls.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of community initiatives led by traditional leaders to protect girls from early marriage and substance abuse.
   • Reports of violence or abuse against adolescent girls.
5. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between local organizations and international donors supporting adolescent girls.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

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