Rising of Women’s Age at Marriage in Rwanda: The Determinant Role of Education

Dieudonne Ndaruhuye Muhoza, University of Rwanda

Marriage is an important social institution for individuals and for societies. However, a rich literature has noted an increasing number of people who are not marrying or marry too late. Age at which people get married especially has significant impacts on population growth and socioeconomic living conditions. This research documents the rise of age at marriage of women in Rwanda and assesses the effects of education. Findings from this study will shed light on the ongoing population dynamics and future demographic developments in Rwanda. The study uses data from four Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) and includes all women 15-49 years old. Analysis used two outcome variables: proportion of women never married and median age at first marriage. The key independent variables are period (years) and education. Other variables included as controlling variables. Statistical analysis includes descriptive analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression. The results have noted the increase of age at marriage and the emergence of permanent celibates in Rwanda altering the African universal marriage pattern. The rising trend of age at marriage was associated with increasing education. Results are consistent with existing literature on the causes and mechanisms of marriages postponement.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Families, Unions and Households, Gender Dynamics, Population Policies

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