The Child Brides of Kandahar

Human rights activists in Afghanistan say arranged marriages involving young girls under 16 still account for half of all marriages in some parts of the country, such as in southern Kandahar province. The tradition is perpetuated by poverty and illiteracy, say activists — problems that are just as systemic.

Many young brides get married without a full understanding of their wedding vows, leading to situations where they sometimes betray their husbands and suffer the consequences.

In Afghanistan a woman who elopes can lose her life.

Source:

“Afghanistan: Widespread child marriage blamed for domestic violence”
IRIN (United Nations), October 18, 2007

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