Meeting with the Elders...III

Today, 20 June 2008.

The team spent an hour with the elders of the village; the conversations today circled on issues related to early marriages. The elders confirmed that, girls are married off early, so that the girls parents can pay less dowry. A higher dowry would be paid (and asked for) from the grooms family, if the girl is older.

At the end of the conversations, they mentioned that; for them. They married early and married younger women, because that was the custom; its the life they knew and with little education, the options were less. They are however beginning to see challenges for early marriages especially; for the women.

The women, as well as the elders are focusing on possibilities for adult literacy
classess, some basic information on HIV/AIDS e.t.c. They said, if there were people in the community, having similar conversations to counsel the community; - people would understand and learn more. The conversations on early marriages even in its 'slightest ways and stage', are already, influencing change in those who are participating.

The meeting with the elders was a confirmation that early marriages are a major concern; everyone is talking about it, and they desire change. Young people want it stopped!

After the meeting, the elders joined in the community programme; facilitated by the young people.