Itang Special Woreda Case Study

1. Introduction
This chapter deals with the introduction of the study on assessment of the factors that affect community participation in the implementation of the policy that prohibits early marriage in Itang Special Woreda. It includes general background of the study; description of the study area; statement of the problem; research questions; objectives; scope/delimitation; and significance of the study as well as operational definitions of the key terms used in the study.

1.1. General Background of the Study
The concept of community participation in policy implementation is important to improve the quality of life and ensure the development of the country. According to Kelvin (2010), governments encourage communities to participate in the implementation of the activities that directly affect their life and the lives of others. Communities should be educated and have awareness of the importance of their participation in the improvement of
According to Family Code Law (2000), neither a man nor a woman who has not attained the full age of eighteen years shall conclude marriage. This law is formulated for the purpose of promoting children’s and women’s wellbeing and empowerment. In addition, the 1994 Constitution of Ethiopia provided women with many rights such as the right to equality in marriage; right to equality in employment, promotion and pay; right to maternity leave with full pay; right to full consultation in the formulation of national development policies; and the right to participate and compete equally with men in social, economic and political as well as in public and private institutions. The Constitution also prohibits customs and practices that cause bodily or mental harm to women. Women are also given the right of access to family planning education, information and capacity so that they may prevent harm arising from pregnancy and childbirth (CoFDRE,