Exploring adolescents’ agency and social norms in exercising their sexual reproductive rights to challenge child marriage: Evidence from Northern Uganda

Child marriage remains a serious concern in Africa, and patriarchal norms exacerbate the problem. In Uganda, one in three girls marries before eighteen years. This study evaluates adolescents' agency in asserting their sexual and reproductive rights and challenging child marriage within the context of social norms, highlighting the consequences of child marriage. The study was conducted in six Northern Uganda districts, involving 424 adolescent girls and boys and 20 key informants. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analysed at the bivariate level, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Majority (85.4%) expressed confidence in their ability to reject child marriage, even in cases where their parents supported it. Paradoxically, only 16% of adolescents demonstrated awareness of their right to decide when and whom to marry, while 21.5% maintained that it is acceptable for a girl to marry at any age, provided her parents or guardians approve. The study indicates that despite their confidence in personal agency, a significant number of adolescents struggle to challenge child marriage, highlighting the need for social work interventions that integrate education and life skills training, fostering self-awareness, assertiveness, effective communication, and advocacy to empower adolescents and resist harmful practices.