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Efforts to stop child marriage in the Middle East and North Africa region are facing many difficulties. Recently, Kuwait raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 years, despite this the problem is getting deeper in these countries. The reason for this is nothing but legal loopholes, social stereotypes and poverty, due to which thousands of girls are being forced to get married at an early age.
In many Arab countries, the minimum age of marriage has been fixed at 18 years, but legal exceptions and decisions of religious courts weaken these rules. In Kuwait, 1,145 minor marriages were registered in 2024, including 1,079 girls and 66 boys. Recently passed laws in Iraq have given religious courts the power to approve the marriage of girls as young as 9 years old.
United Nations report reveals
According to a United Nations report, 40 million girls under the age of 18 are brides in the Middle East and North Africa. This problem has become more serious in these war-torn areas. In Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and the Gaza Strip, families are marrying their daughters early due to economic crisis and security concerns. An increase in the number of child marriages has been seen after recent conflicts in Gaza.
Dangers of child marriage
According to Oxfam and UNICEF, 70% of married girls aged 15 to 19 are victims of some form of violence. Pregnancy at an early age increases complications and maternal mortality. In addition, girls’ education is interrupted after marriage, which limits economic and social opportunities in their lives.
Decline in women’s rights
Growing conservatism and decline in women’s rights in the region are also making the problem of child marriage more serious. According to Oxfam’s report, the improvements made by women’s rights organizations in the last few years have come under threat. Reduction in education and rights of girls in Sudan and Afghanistan has further increased the cases of minor marriage.
Yemen’s policies have improved
International organizations and local groups are working to address the issue. Under the “Girls Not Brides” campaign, Oxfam and other organizations are running awareness campaigns to raise the marriage age and close legal loopholes. Oxfam’s efforts in Yemen have led to improved policymaking on the issue. Experts believe that promoting education and legal reforms, as well as economic stability, could be a solution to the problem.
