Child Marriage Law in Iraq Threatens Women’s Rights and the Nation’s Future

Iraq’s parliament is scheduled to vote on an amendment to its personal status law that would reduce the legal marriage age to nine and deprive women of rights pertaining to divorce, custody, and inheritance. Critics, particularly human rights campaigners, argue that this reform will undermine women’s rights and legitimize child marriage. They worry that it will raise the likelihood of abuse and social inequity. The amendment, pushed by hardline Shia parties, seeks to match with stringent interpretations of Islamic law, but it faces criticism for potentially widening sectarian divisions. Protests have erupted, accusing the administration of putting sectarian interests before general welfare.

Editor’s Note: It is a harsh reality that empowered women raise empowered children; they form the basis of a healthy, progressive society. Iraq risks hurting the next generation’s potential by pushing young girls to marry.

How can a child who is rushed into the position of wife and mother before having the opportunity to pursue her aspirations be expected to nurture and raise strong, self-sufficient children? These young girls are being denied an education and the chance to find their talents, robbing them of the very opportunities that would allow them to raise confident, educated, and capable children.

This move is more than just a violation of human rights; it is a profound betrayal of Iraq’s future.

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