EARLY MARRIAGE AND LO EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AS PREDICTORS OF WOMEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN HARD LABOUR IN ABAKALIKI

Abstract

This study examined the predictive influence of early marriage and low education on women’s involvement in hard labour in Abakaliki. A correlational survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 474 married women who are either involved (251) or not involved (223) in hard labour were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-Square, and Binary Logistic Regression models. Chi-square results indicated statistically significant associations between the independent variables and women's involvement in hard labour.  Results from Binary Logistic Regression indicated that both predictors; Early marriage (B = 4.375, SE = .552, Wald = 62.710, p < .001, odds ratio = 79.432) and educational status (B = 5.425, SE = .749, Wald = 52.402, p < .001, odds ratio = 227.035), independently made significant contributions to the prediction of hard-labour involvement. Women who had early marriage and those with low education respectively had 79 and 227 times the odds of being involved in hard labour when compared to their counterparts who did not marry early and had higher education. The study concludes that early marriage and low educational level are significant predictors of Abakaliki women’s entry into hard labour. Consequently, the Ebonyi State Government should strengthen programmes that will promote the girl child enrolment, retention, and completion of both secondary and higher education.