Terms of Reference for a Study on the Role of Collective Action in Preventing Child Marriage in Selected Districts in Zimbabwe
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Terre des Hommes Italia
- Expires 19 Aug 2024
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
1.INTRODUCTION.
Terre des Hommes (TdH) Italy in Zimbabwe, a child centred humanitarian and development
organization, PVO 03/2010, is implementing a 15-month project on Preventing Child
Marriage, called PREaCH, which is targeting Buhera, Chimanimani, Chipinge and Chiredzi
districts. TdH Italy in Zimbabwe hereby shares Terms of Reference (ToRs) for Preventing
Child Marriage research on the role of collective action, and the evolution of culture and
religion in preventing child marriage in Zimbabwe. The research will be carried out as part of
an on-going 15-month project on preventing child marriage that is running from April 2024 to
June 2025.
The project is expected to reach a total of 19 649 beneficiaries with interventions on
preventing child marriage including positive behaviour change, economic empowerment and
resilience building, and male engagement.
The study is critical for the project to have a comprehensive understanding of the current
child marriage situation, to determine which skills development intervention can be utilised in
various socio-cultural settings and to measure the success of the interventions.
2.BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Child marriage is a harmful practice that severely affects the rights of a child and further
deprives the child from attaining other aspirations like education and careers. It is driven by a
combination of economic hardships, cultural practices, religious beliefs, gender inequalities,
and intersecting oppressions that negatively and disproportionately affect girls.
In Zimbabwe, the issue of child marriage is significant, with over 1 million girls currently
married as children (UNICEF 2022). This statistic is particularly concerning among young
women aged 20–24 years, where more than one-third (34%) have been married before
reaching the age of 18, and an alarming 5% even before turning 15. It's important to note
that this practice extends beyond just girls, as adolescent boys in Zimbabwe also engage in
early marriages, with 2% of young men aged 20–24 years reporting being married as
children. The prevalence of child marriage varies across provinces within Zimbabwe, but it is
consistently higher in rural areas compared to urban ones. This distinction highlights the
need for targeted interventions and policies to address the root causes of child marriage,
especially in rural communities where the practice remains more common.
Zimbabwe is committed to eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030 in line with
target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – to eliminate all harmful practices,
such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilations. Efforts to combat
child marriage in Zimbabwe involve a combination of legislative measures, awareness
campaigns, and community-based initiatives. Recent legislation, such as the Marriages Bill,
which raised the legal age of marriage to 18 for both sexes, reflects international standards
and recognizes the rights of children. However, the effectiveness of these laws depends on
their enforcement and the broader societal acceptance of changing traditional practices
(cultural evolution). Community-led programs that promote education, economic
empowerment, and gender equality are also crucial in reducing child marriage rates.
Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Zimbabwe, with significant implications for the
health, education, and prospects of affected children. Addressing this problem requires a
multifaceted approach that combines legal reforms with community engagement and
empowerment strategies. By understanding the complexities of child marriage in Zimbabwe,
researchers can contribute valuable insights to inform effective interventions and policies
aimed at eradicating this harmful practice.
2.1 Project Summary
TDH is implementing the PREaCH project, a child protection initiative focusing on preventing
child marriage. Implemented in Buhera, Chimanimani, Chipinge and Chiredzi districts, the
project aims to change behaviours and perceptions of the broader community through
collective action and the evolution of culture and religion. Below are the project outcome
areas:
Individuals, Families and Communities practise and demonstrate positive behaviours
and attitudes which contribute to ending child marriage.
Increased adaptive capacities and resilience building at individual, family and
community levels through life skills training and economic empowerment
Gender transformative engagements with men and boys are facilitated to support an
enabling environment for change through collective action in prevention and
reduction of child marriage in the targeted districts through exploring emerging
thinking on Systems change.
Evidence on the role of collective action, evolution of culture and religion in
preventing child marriage generated.
The evolution of culture aims to transform communities and capacitate them to use cultural
practices such as ukhomba, Hoko and religious practices, to embrace Comprehensive
Sexuality Education (CSE) and use that to positively influence change towards Child
Protection. This will gradually promote freedoms and rights of the girl-child, working together
with girls, boys, women and men to end child marriage. Gender norms are learned through
socialization, which is mostly facilitated by older women in the community, as such, these
older women and girls will be engaged to encourage intergenerational discussions. The
intervention will advocate for communities that practice cultural processes such as Ukhomba
to engage with Ministry of Health and Child Care's Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
Department, Ministry of Public Service Labour Social Welfare - Child Protection and National
AIDS Council on practices that will empower boys and girls to make decisions about
courting, intimacy and marriage when they attain 18 years aligning the practice with the legal age of majority and allowing them to make informed decisions about who, and when to marry. The project seeks to explore the underlying causes of early marriage, from socio-economic perspective within the context of intervention.
Duties and Responsibilities
3.SCOPE OF THE STUDY
3.1 Purpose of the Consultancy
TDH Italy, hereby seeks to hire the services of an expert, who is expected to lead and carry
out a research study for the purpose of understanding the dynamics of child marriage in
Zimbabwe, specifically in the regions of Buhera, Chimanimani, Chipinge, and Chiredzi, and
to explore the nuances in culture and religion, and how these can be of significance in
preventing child marriage. The study aims to generate evidence-based insights that can
inform the design and implementation of effective interventions to prevent child marriage and
promote the rights and freedoms of girls. The expert is also expected to capacitate project
staff on documenting issues for sharing as project briefs
3.2 Objectives
Conduct a baseline study to assess the current state of child marriage in the selected
districts.
Perform an environmental contextual assessment to identify opportunities for district
specific skills development and economic empowerment for girls.
Conduct an ethnographic study on the role of collective action, evolution of culture
and religion in preventing child marriage.
Conduct an endline survey to evaluate the short-term impact of the project
interventions.
Contribute to the development of a model on preventing child marriage in Zimbabwe
3.3 Scope
The study will focus on the following aspects:
Geographical Scope: The study will be conducted in Buhera, Chimanimani, Chipinge, and
Chiredzi districts in Zimbabwe.
Temporal Scope: The project duration spans from April 2024 to June 2025.
Target Population: The primary focus will be on individuals involved in or affected by child
marriage, including girls, boys, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders involved in
child protection and gender equality initiatives.
4.STUDY METHODOLOGY
The project will employ a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather
insights, analyse current practices, and identify effective strategies for preventing child
marriage and promoting the rights and freedoms of girls. The consultant will be expected to
produce a series of reports detailing their findings and recommendations, with a strong
emphasis on engaging with local communities.
4.1 Phase I: Baseline and Contextual Assessment
Baseline Study: Collect data on the prevalence, drivers, and impacts of child marriage in the
selected districts.
Environmental Contextual Assessment: Identify local resources, challenges, and
opportunities for district specific skills development and economic empowerment for girls.
4.2 Phase II: Ethnographic study
Investigate through ethnography, the mechanisms and effectiveness of collective action,
culture evolution and religion in preventing child marriage, focusing on community-led
initiatives and partnerships with government agencies.
4.3 Phase III: Endline Survey
Evaluate the impact of the project interventions on child marriage rates, community
behaviours, and girls' well-being.
4.4 Specific Deliverables
1. Phase I report
2. Phase II report
3. Phase III report
4. Research findings dissemination plan
4.5 Timeline
The dates provided indicate the time of submitting the reports for the respective phases
Phase I -30 September 2024
Phase II- 31 January 2025
Phase III- 31 July 2025
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and experience of the Consultant
The successful consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:
Experience in reviewing and aligning sector tools and strategic documents with a
gender mainstreaming
Proven previous working experience consisting of substantial involvement in
assessments, evaluations, and/or reviews in related areas
Working experience with senior officials within government, inter-governmental, and
non-governmental organizations
Strong ethnographic research background
Advanced qualifications in the field of Anthropology, Gender, and Child Protection,
preferably master’s or PhD
Extensive knowledge of child marriage literature and experience in global policy
debates on child marriage.
Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in Child Protection, Child Marriage,
Gender programming and mainstreaming with INGOs and/or NGOs.
Experience working within a humanitarian and/or development context
Experience and skills in community engagement and development of community-
based programming is a distinct asset.
Experience in capacity building of staff on baseline surveys, gender mainstreaming
and documentation
Experience in delivering technical guidance such as producing technical documents,
Policy briefs, assessments, evaluations and reporting on Child protection and gender
activities/issues
Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize large quantities of
information.
Skills
Proven communication and behavioural skills to work directly with affected
communities
Proven record of positive collaborative experience with traditional leaders, religious
leaders and local counterparts (CSOs, local NGOs, and others)
Experience of planning, organizing and prioritizing work, working under pressure and
matching deadlines
Solid team working and management skills
Proactive attitude
Excellent computer literacy skills, including familiarity with research and basic
statistical tools
Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of local languages an advantage
Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious
and effective relationships.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Applications must be sent to TDH Italia, in Zimbabwe, 155 Borrowdale Road, Gunhill,
Harare, or electronically to tdhcareers@gmail.com, by 19 August 2024.
Applications should contain:
Letter of Motivation
Detailed Curriculum Vitae
Detailed financial and technical proposal
Proof of previous related work (two reports or traceable recommendation letters)
