Child Marriage, How can we limit its spread?

Child Marriage, How can we limit its spread?

Yaqoub Mohammed – Tafas

The marriage of minors is one of the prominent challenges facing Syrian society, and it has increased in recent years due to war, displacement, and the difficulties families face, prompting them to marry off their daughters at a young age.

In Syria, the marriage of minors is considered illegal, as the law prohibits the solemnization of any marriage contract if the girl is under 18 years old, aiming to protect girls and ensure their safety. However, customs in our society support the marriage of girls at a young age, and most of those seeking marriage look for girls who have not yet reached the age of 14.

Syrian society needs cultural and intellectual awareness, as well as significant efforts to stand against this phenomenon and shed light on it. While the marriage of minors has been banned in other societies, it continues to prevail in Syrian society in general and particularly in Hauran.

The ongoing war in the country has contributed to the spread of this phenomenon. Customs, traditions, and social heritage have also played a role in its proliferation. Economic hardship is a major factor, as family breadwinners can no longer meet the needs of their families, leading them to marry off their daughters to alleviate their burdens.

Some self-related reasons involve the girls themselves, lacking awareness of the problems of marriage. They may have a stereotypical image that they must get married under any circumstances. If they reach a certain age without getting married, they become stigmatized as “spinsters” in the eyes of those around them.

War and displacement have led to the emergence of camp communities, which are fertile environments for the spread of this phenomenon. Camp conditions have significantly influenced the proliferation of the phenomenon due to difficult economic conditions and inadequate housing. Family heads try to reduce the number of family members within one tent.

All these reasons are not justifications. Regardless of the circumstances, this phenomenon is destructive to individuals and society. It negatively affects the lives of girls in terms of health, psychology, social aspects, and education. Therefore, it requires joint efforts from all segments of society, such as civil society organizations, through awareness workshops explaining its risks and negative consequences. Encouraging parents to support their daughters in pursuing education and empowering them to access employment opportunities and achieve their aspirations is crucial for addressing this issue.