Child marriage is a serious issue that affects many girls in Afghanistan. According to UNICEF1, child marriage is illegal but common in the country, with 28 per cent of Afghan women aged 15–49 years married before the age of 1823. The minimum age for marriage is 15 or 16 years old for women and 18 years old for men23.
Some of the reasons for child marriage include poverty, insecurity, cultural norms, lack of education and dowry payments234. Child marriage can have negative consequences for the girls’ health, education, rights and well-being13. They are more likely to face domestic violence, abuse, discrimination, poor mental health and complications in pregnancy and childbirth1.
UNICEF and other organizations are working to raise awareness of the risks of child marriage and to provide support and protection to the most vulnerable families and girls1. They are also advocating for the reopening of schools for all girls and the resumption of female teachers’ jobs1, as education can be a key factor in preventing child marriage and empowering girls3.
