Migration and vulnerability among adolescents in slum areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Document Type

Article (peer-reviewed)

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

Studies of urban rural migration often find the most likely migrants are adolescents and young people. Yet few studies have explored patterns of adolescent migration and the role of migration in transitions to adulthood. This study uses data from a population-based survey of over 1000 adolescents aged 10-19 in slum areas of Addis Ababa. Twenty-three per cent of boys and 45 per cent of girls have migrated into the city, mostly from rural areas, mainly for educational or work opportunities. Nearly one quarter of female migrants moved to escape early marriage in their rural homes. Migrants in this study were more vulnerable than natives in terms of lacking of parental presence, schooling, and social connectedness. Such young people, most of whom are girls, are 'falling through the cracks of policy and programs and in need of increased program attention.

DOI

10.1080/13676260600805697

Language

English

Project

Biruh Tesfa (“Bright Future”)

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