The Worth of a Girl, The Tragic Story of Somaya in Afghanistan

The Complex Reality of Child Brides: A Global Human Rights Challenge

Child marriage is a deeply entrenched practice that transcends borders, cultures, and religions, affecting millions of girls worldwide. The phenomenon of child brides raises critical questions: What does a child bride bring to a marriage? Is it a dowry, social status, domestic labor, or business connections? What is her perceived value to the families involved, and most importantly, what is the cost to the girl herself?

The Story of Somaya: A Case Study from Afghanistan

In Herat, Afghanistan, Somaya’s story is a poignant example of the harsh realities faced by child brides. At just 13 years old, she was sold by her father for 250,000 afghani ($3,300) to marry a relative’s son. Her father used much of this money on her bedding, clothes, and jewelry, a common practice in many cultures where the bride’s family provides a dowry.

Somaya moved into her new husband’s family home, where her aspirations for education were met with violence. Despite her pleas to continue her schooling, her mother-in-law and husband beat her, insisting that her role was to manage household chores. “I kept telling them that I wanted to go to school,” Somaya says. “But my in-laws told me, ‘If you go to school, who will do the house chores? We bought you.’”

The Global Scope of Child Marriage

According to UNICEF, approximately 650 million children and women alive today were married before the age of 18, representing roughly 17% of the global female population. The practice is most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but it also occurs in parts of the Middle East, Latin America, and even in some communities in the United States.

Child marriage often results in a lifetime of disadvantage and deprivation. Girls are typically forced to drop out of school, limiting their future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Moreover, they are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence and health complications due to early pregnancies.

Legal and Social Challenges

Efforts to combat child marriage are often hampered by legal loopholes and social norms. In many countries, laws exist to set a minimum age for marriage, yet exceptions are frequently made with parental consent or under customary law. This is particularly challenging in male-dominated societies like Afghanistan, where justice for women is complex and often inaccessible.

Furthermore, child marriage is deeply rooted in gender inequality and cultural traditions. In some communities, marrying off a daughter is seen as a way to secure her future and relieve financial burdens on the family. This cultural acceptance makes it difficult to implement change, even when legal frameworks are in place.

Efforts and Interventions

International organizations and local NGOs are working tirelessly to end child marriage. Initiatives focus on education, advocacy, and policy reform. For instance, the United Nations has launched campaigns to raise awareness and provide resources to communities to protect girls’ rights.

Education is a critical tool in this fight. By keeping girls in school, communities can delay marriage and empower young women to make informed choices about their futures. However, challenges remain, particularly in regions facing other crises. For example, Afghanistan is on the verge of a humanitarian disaster, with weather warnings and fuel crises exacerbating the difficulties faced by families.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The plight of child brides is a global human rights issue that requires urgent attention. While progress is being made, much work remains to be done to change societal norms and empower girls worldwide. It is crucial for governments, international bodies, and civil society to collaborate in creating sustainable solutions that prioritize the health, education, and rights of young girls.

As we continue to shed light on stories like Somaya’s, we must also focus on the broader context of human rights abuses. For instance, the admission of sexual abuse in Afghan women’s football highlights the pervasive nature of gender-based violence. Similarly, the attacks on schools in Afghanistan underscore the challenges in providing safe educational environments for girls.

Ultimately, addressing child marriage is not just about changing laws; it’s about transforming mindsets and creating a world where every girl can thrive.