Forced Traditions: Examining The Persistence Of Arranged Marriages For Women In Afghanistan

Arranged marriages are still prevalent in Afghanistan, with cultural, political, and economic factors influencing the decision to marry off young girls. The practice of child marriage has detrimental consequences for girls, including physical harm and a lack of access to education and employment opportunities. While there are laws against child marriage, such as the minimum age of marriage being set at 16 for females, regional customs and Sharia law often take precedence, and poverty drives many parents to marry off their daughters young. The Taliban's rule has further exacerbated the issue, with families forced to make desperate choices due to economic hardships and a lack of access to education for girls.

The Taliban's impact on women's rights and forced marriages

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have imposed a series of restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. Women's rights have been decimated, and the country is ranked last on the Women, Peace and Security Index.

The Taliban have banned women and girls from secondary and higher education, and altered the curriculum to focus more on religious studies. They dictate what women must wear, how they should travel, workplace segregation by sex, and even what kind of cell phones women should have. They enforce these rules through intimidation and inspections.

The Taliban have also restricted women's access to work. Only those working in primary education or healthcare are still able to work, and most are not being paid due to the financial crisis. The closure of beauty salons has also had a significant impact, as these were one of the few women-only spaces outside the home.

The Taliban's policies have also led to a rise in forced marriages. Families are marrying off their daughters at younger ages due to the economic and humanitarian crisis, and to prevent them from being forced to marry Taliban fighters. The Taliban have also been forcing families to give them their unmarried daughters as brides.

The Taliban's restrictions on women's rights and freedoms have had a devastating impact on the lives of Afghan women and girls, and there are fears that the situation will only worsen.

Child marriages and their prevalence in Afghanistan

Child marriages are illegal but prevalent in Afghanistan. The country's minimum age of marriage for girls is 15 or 16, well below the internationally recommended standard of 18. According to UNICEF, child marriage is a "formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18" and affects more girls than boys. In Afghanistan, up to 57% of girls are married before they turn 19, with the most common ages being 15 and 16. Child marriages are driven by gender inequality, the belief that girls are inferior to boys, and the perception that girls are a source of economic value and domestic labour for their future households.

Child marriages are widespread in rural areas, especially along the borders with Pakistan. They are often aimed at strengthening ties with rival families and tribes, settling debts and disputes, or offsetting the cost of marriage. Poor families may sell their daughters for large dowries from wealthy people, and the husbands are usually much older. The decisions to sell girls for marriage are made by men, with the women and girls having little to no say in the matter.

The prevalence of child marriages in Afghanistan has been linked to several factors, including gender dynamics, family structure, cultural norms, political ideologies, and economic conditions. Poverty is a significant factor, as parents may marry off their daughters due to a lack of financial resources to support them. The families may receive a dowry from the groom, perpetuating a cycle of poverty as child brides often face limited future employment opportunities. Low literacy rates have also been correlated with child marriages, as parents, girls, and their husbands are often illiterate.

The consequences of child marriages are detrimental, particularly for girls. Girls who marry early are less likely to remain in school and more likely to experience domestic violence, discrimination, abuse, and poor mental health. They also face higher risks of complications in pregnancy and childbirth, with adolescent girls and their children being more susceptible to health issues and mortality. Child marriages further reinforce gender inequality, restrict girls' agency, and strip them of the power to make decisions about their lives.

The Afghan government has made efforts to address child marriages through legislation and policies. In 2009, the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) was passed, guaranteeing penalties for domestic violence, abuses against women, and forced child marriage. Additionally, the government launched the National Action Plan to Eliminate Early and Child Marriage in 2017 and the Girls' Education Policy in 2019. However, the implementation of these laws and policies remains a challenge, and child marriages continue to persist in Afghanistan.

Economic factors influencing the practice of arranged marriages

Economic factors play a significant role in influencing the practice of arranged marriages in Afghanistan. Here are some paragraphs detailing the economic factors at play:

Economic Factors and Poverty

Poverty is a critical economic factor that drives the practice of arranged marriages in Afghanistan. Families living in poverty often view marrying off their daughters at a young age as a means to alleviate their financial burden. The dowry received from the groom's family can provide much-needed economic relief. Additionally, with limited financial resources, parents may struggle to support their daughters, leading them to believe that marriage is the best option for their future. This decision is often made out of desperation, as families see no other way to survive.

Economic Benefits and Baadal

The perceived economic benefits of arranged marriages also play a role. Families may consider the financial gains associated with the practice, such as receiving a bride price or reducing the cost of living by having one less mouth to feed. Baadal, or the exchange of girls between families, is a traditional practice that reinforces the economic aspect of arranged marriages. By agreeing to marry their daughters to sons from another family, families can strengthen ties and improve their economic situation.

Economic Instability and Insecurity

Economic instability and insecurity in Afghanistan have also contributed to the rise in arranged marriages. With limited job opportunities and a lack of financial stability, families often feel pressured to secure their daughters' futures through marriage. The fear of not being able to provide for their daughters may drive parents to arrange marriages, hoping to ensure their well-being. This is especially true in rural areas, where economic opportunities are scarce.

Lack of Economic Prospects and Education

The lack of economic prospects for women and girls in Afghanistan is another factor. Without access to education and employment opportunities, women have fewer options for financial independence. This limits their agency in making decisions about their future, including choosing when and whom to marry. As a result, they become more susceptible to arranged marriages, as they may lack the means to support themselves otherwise.

Economic Factors and Social Norms

Economic factors also intersect with social norms and cultural expectations. In Afghanistan, girls are often viewed as a source of economic value for their future households. This perception influences the social acceptance of arranged marriages, as families may believe they are providing their daughters with a secure future by arranging marriages for them. The expectation that girls will contribute to domestic labour and bear children further reinforces the economic rationale for these marriages.

In summary, economic factors such as poverty, perceived economic benefits, economic instability, lack of economic prospects, and cultural expectations all contribute to the persistence of arranged marriages in Afghanistan. These factors create a complex dynamic that influences the decisions of families and limits the agency of women and girls.

Cultural and religious norms surrounding arranged marriages

Arranged marriages in Afghanistan are influenced by a complex interplay of cultural and religious norms that shape the societal perception of gender roles, family dynamics, and social expectations. Here is an overview of these factors:

Cultural Norms:

• Patriarchal Society: Afghanistan's culture is deeply patriarchal, with well-defined and rigid gender roles. Men are considered the primary breadwinners, while women are expected to assume domestic roles as homemakers, mothers, and caregivers. This dynamic often results in women's financial dependence on men and limited access to education and career opportunities.
• Family Honour: Family honour is of utmost importance in Afghan culture. Women are often regarded as the guardians of family honour, and their behaviour reflects on the male members of the family. Any deviation from expected norms of modesty and obedience can bring shame to the family, influencing the marriage prospects of their sisters and the social standing of male relatives.
• Collectivism: Afghan society is highly collectivistic, emphasising family interests over individual desires. This dynamic often results in young people obeying their elders' wishes, including arranged marriages, to uphold family honour and maintain social harmony.
• Gender Segregation: The segregation of genders is a cultural norm in Afghanistan, with limited interaction between unmarried men and women outside of family contexts. This segregation influences the practice of arranged marriages, as pre-marital relationships and dating are generally discouraged or closely monitored.
• Extended Family Structure: The extended family structure is prevalent in Afghanistan, with multiple generations living together. Married women typically join their husband's family, and adult children often remain in the family home. This dynamic influences the decision-making process regarding arranged marriages, as elders and in-laws may have a significant say in choosing a spouse.

Religious Norms:

• Islamic Teachings: Afghanistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic teachings influence societal norms and values. While there are different interpretations of Islamic law, some religious texts are used to justify male superiority and the notion of women's imperfection, contributing to the acceptance of arranged marriages.
• Religious Leaders: Mullahs and imams, as trusted community figures, play a pivotal role in shaping community perceptions about marriage. They may encourage child marriages or forced marriages, citing religious justifications and the need to prevent pre-marital sex and other "immoral" practices.
• Religious Laws: Religious laws, such as Sharia law and the Shiite Personal Status Law, influence the legal framework surrounding marriage in Afghanistan. These laws may permit marriage below the age of 18 with parental or judicial consent, and they do not always invalidate forced marriages, especially in rural and conservative communities.

The intersection of these cultural and religious norms creates a context in which arranged marriages are seen as a means of upholding traditional values, ensuring family honour, and maintaining social order in Afghanistan. However, it is important to note that these norms are not universally accepted, and there are progressive voices within Afghanistan advocating for women's rights, education, and greater autonomy in marriage decisions.

Efforts to eradicate forced and child marriages in Afghanistan

• Legal Frameworks: Afghanistan's Civil Law sets the minimum age for marriage at 16 for females and 18 for males. Article 71 of the Civil Code prohibits marriages for girls under 15 years old. However, regional customs and Sharia law often take precedence over national law, and child marriages still occur due to shortcomings in Civil Law implementation.
• Education and Economic Empowerment: UNICEF and other organisations emphasise the importance of education as a protective factor against child marriage. They work to raise awareness about the negative consequences of child marriage and provide cash assistance to vulnerable families. Additionally, initiatives like the Girls' Education Policy aim to improve girls' access to education. Economic empowerment programs, such as providing skills training, are also important to reduce families' reliance on child marriages.
• Addressing Root Causes: Efforts to eradicate forced and child marriages must address the underlying causes, such as gender inequality, harmful traditional practices, and poverty. Community education and changing social norms that devalue girls' and women's rights are crucial.
• Protection and Support Services: Organisations like UNFPA establish shelters and safe spaces for girls escaping forced marriages. They also train police officers to respond appropriately to cases of gender-based violence and forced marriages, providing a coordinated response within health facilities.
• International Commitments: Afghanistan has ratified several international conventions and human rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, committing to eliminate forced and child marriages. However, effective implementation and enforcement of these commitments remain a challenge.

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