Harmful Practices (HP)
What are harmful practices (HP)?
Harmful practices are actions carried out in the name of culture that negatively affect people’s health, rights, and well-being especially girls and young people. While culture can guide positive values and community life, some practices cause physical, emotional, or social harm and should be challenged and changed.
Common examples include:
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Child or early marriage
- Forced marriage
- Marriage by inheritance
- Gender discrimination in education, property, or decision-making
These practices often limit young people’s opportunities, expose them to risks, and prevent them from reaching their full potential.
How do harmful practices affect young people?
- Education: Many girls drop out of school due to early marriage or related responsibilities
- Health: Increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including conditions like fistula
- Safety: Greater exposure to sexual violence, abuse, and HIV
- Economic impact: Reduced opportunities for employment and financial independence
- Psychological impact: Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and limited decision-making power
- Social impact: Isolation from peers and reduced participation in community life
Gender inequality and harmful beliefs
Some harmful practices are driven by unequal expectations between boys and girls. For example:
- Believing men have authority to control or harm their wives
- Valuing boys over girls in inheritance or education
- Accepting polygamy as a sign of status
- Encouraging silence around abuse or harassment
These beliefs reinforce inequality and increase harm.
Why do these practices continue?
- Strong cultural expectations and social pressure
- Lack of awareness about risks and rights
- Economic factors, such as dowry or bride price
- Fear of stigma or exclusion from the community