Trends of early marriage and female genital mutilation in southern nations, nationalities and peoples' regional state (snnprs), southern Ethiopia

Trend analysis has become the most important aspect of research practice to examine changes in time and space. This research retrospectively looks at the prevalence and magnitude of early marriage and female genital mutation in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS). The study used mixed (Qualitative and quantitative) approach to collect and analyse data. In-depth interview and group discussions with zone and region level officials as primary data, and statistical reports and publications of government and NGOs, magazines, and research findings of scholars were also used as secondary data sources in the study. The findings of the study show that prevalence and magnitude of early marriage and female genital mutation have been declining from 1998 to 2005, and started to increase since 2007. The reason behind this problem could be, among others, the political instabilities following the 2007 national election that negativelly affected efforts in the fight against early marriage and female genital mutation. These harmful traditional practices hampered women's health, economic benefits and political stability in the region. Devising new efforts to address these harmful traditional practices can bring about substantial changes in women empowerment and gender equality.