Over 28% of Women in Afghanistan Married Before the Age of 18
Over 28% of Women in Afghanistan Married Before the Age of 18
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced that 28.7 percent of women aged 20 to 24 in Afghanistan were married before the age of 18.
On Sunday, based on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Afghanistan in 2022 and 2023, the organization reported that in some regions of the country, one in every two girls is married before turning 18.
UNICEF stated that child marriage threatens girls’ health, disrupts their education, and limits their future opportunities.
According to the organization, early marriage increases the risk of violence, social isolation, and complications from early pregnancy and childbirth.
UNICEF added that mortality resulting from pregnancy complications is one of the leading causes of death among girls aged 15 to 19 in Afghanistan.
The organization emphasized that the continuation of girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to protect their rights and prevent child marriage.
UNICEF has once again urged the Taliban to reopen schools for girls above the sixth grade.
The organization also called for the cooperation of families, communities, religious and social leaders, and the international community to put an end to child marriage.
