Child marriage in Jordan: Between factors and socio-economic impacts
Undoubtedly, child marriage is a real phenomenon that violates several legitimate human rights of girls, including the right to education, the right to develop abilities and the conscious choice of a life partner without coercion, and, eventually, the right to ensure equal rights marriage and the establishment of sound family relations. Furthermore, violations of such rights have many negative repercussions for girls’ lives, their reproductive health, as well as many economic consequences and the ability to carry out family duties, particularly the upbringing of children.
A study of child marriage in Jordan sought to determine the extent of the problem and its various consequences. Early marriage, according to data analysis and field research, deprives girls of personal development, skill development, and employment opportunities. The majority of Jordanian child brides (66.7%) acquire either elementary or preparatory education.
According to the study, girls who married before the age of 18 were not working or looking for work. Furthermore, the data indicate that the majority of married Jordanian women (76.7%) live in homes owned by the family or a member of the family.
In Jordan, child marriage is driven primarily by:
The economic situation of families and poverty: Some families, particularly those with multiple daughters, marry girls off in order to reduce their perceived economic burden and the number of mouths that require feeding.
Traditions and culture: A 2014 UNICEF study found that a number of Jordanian, as well as Iraqi, Syrian and Palestinian refugees considered child marriage to be acceptable in “compelling circumstances”. These included teenage pregnancy, an abusive home environment, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Some Jordanian parents marry off their daughters because they are concerned that the internet will expose them to undesirable behavior that may damage future marriage prospects.
Religion: Some sheikhs (community leaders, elders, or governors) and Sharia court judges have expressed acceptance of child marriage, considering it to be protective of girls from destitution, sexual abuse, and honor crimes. In addition, many families marry off their daughters to provide them with sutra, a concept rooted in Islam but now widely accepted among faiths in Jordan. Sutra generally refers to a secure life, protection from hardship, and provision for a girl’s future.
The findings of the field study revealed that child marriage has some negative health and psychological consequences. As a direct consequence, it increases social responsibilities and causes difficulties in pregnancy and birth. Furthermore, maternal mortality due to pregnancy among women aged 13 to 19 accounted for 6.3% of all pregnancy-related deaths.
In conclusion, there is a critical need to create a supportive environment for community change through outreach to all segments of society, as well as to encourage media communications that raise awareness of the negative effects of this phenomenon and consider the age of 18 years as the minimum age of marriage.
Ensuring the right of education for all women and married children through non formal education strategies and reproductive health development programs is crucial.
Ressources:
A study by HPC (Higher Population Council of Jordan), 2017 : https://docs.euromedwomen.foundation/files/ermwfdocuments/7261_astudyonchildmarriageinjordan.pdf
https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/learning-resources/child-marriage-atlas/regions-and-countries/jordan/
About the author :
Chifae is a 22-year-old Moroccan student, feminist, animals and fashion lover, holding an HR background in the national school of business and management. She is currently volunteering at Politics4her and aiming to make the world a better and equal place for women.
