Early marriage of girls ending in divorce in Umling, Sarpang, Bhutan

This pilot study examines the prevalence of early marriage of girls ending in divorce in Umling, which is a rural resettled area in Bhutan. It explores the reasons for early marriage of girls in Umling, identifies strategies to reduce early marriage of girls and recommends solutions which might assist single mothers to become self-sufficient. The research was carried out through survey questionnaires using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews were done with 20 girls aged between 13 to 16 years, studying in Umling Lower secondary school, as well as three elderly people in Umling through social media (WeChat). The three elderly people were interviewed to get more information about the prevalence of early marriage in Umling over a longer period of time. The findings from the research suggest that despite relevant government agencies of Bhutan taking measures to encourage girls in rural areas to study and discourage early marriage, girls marrying before 18 years of age is still prevalent in Umling. Early marriages often end up in divorce and it is often the single mothers who shoulder the responsibility of raising the children. Five recommendations are provided, directed at the Ministry of Education, parenting skills in rural areas, government and NGO providing skills development training for single mothers, government collaboration with potential employers and making low interest microcredit available for single mothers