Early Marriage: Impacts on Education

 Written by: Ferishta Sahak

according to the information provided by Ministry of Women Affairs of Afghanistan, about 34 events of early marriage are registered in 1396 solar year and more events of these kind marriages might not be registered.

Early marriage causes many problems. One of them is staying away from studying.

The writer/producer AEPO has talked to some girls whose educations are affected by early marriage.

Nadia says: when I married, I was 13 years old and left the school at 4th grade. I am not able to read or write. When I go to a market, someone should accompany me for assistence.

Wahida, a resident of Paghman district of Kabul province says: when I was at grade 10th, my father married me to an old man who had another wife too. I was eager to study and become a journalist but my all wishes are washed-out by early marriage.

Reasons:

Zarlashst says: When I got married, my husband did allow me to continue my school. My husband said that I am a married woman and it’s not fair for you to go to school.

Naseeb Khan says that house chores and other responsibilities do not allow women to continue their education after the wedding.

Solution:

A mother, Nadia says: I have one daughter and I have decided if she has not completed her education, I would not engage her to anyone.

Khalid says: I have two daughters. I help them to complete their higher education first and then they would be allowed to marry someone.

Law expert, Humaira Haqmal says: according to the constitution of Afghanistan, all Afghans have equal rights of education and article 70th of Civil Law of Afghanistan says:

Article 70: Capacity to marry should be completed when males attain 18 and females 16 years.

 Article 71: (1) Marriage contract of a girl who has not attained the age mentioned in Article (70) of this Law might only be concluded by her competent father or competent court.

 (2) Marriage contract of minor girls under 15 years old are not permissible by no means.