EARLY MARRIAGE AMONG THE HMONG IN NORTHERN VIETNAM : TRENDS AND UNDERLYING CAUSES

Abstract

Based on an overview of research on early marriage among ethnic minority groups in general , and the Hmong people in particular, this study examines the current situation of early marriage among the Hmong community in the midlands and northern mountainous regions of Vietnam. The Hmong have the highest child marriage rate in the country. While child marriage shows a declining trend, the reduction remains uneven and significantly slower compared to other ethnic minorities. The prevalence of early marriage is higher among males than females. Based on these findings, this study identifies the underlying causes of early marriage among the Hmong, providing a foundation for proposing practical and appropriate solutions to mitigate and ultimately eliminate this issue within the community