Kenya Deliberates Marriage Age as Women Protest Iraq's Proposal for 9-Year-Old Brides

In July 2019, a 10-year-old girl in Entonet, Kajiado South, Kenya, was rescued from a forced marriage to a 45-year-old man.

The rescue operation, led by police officers and anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) activist Dorcas Parit, was initiated after a villager alerted authorities to the ongoing dowry negotiations. Upon arrival at the homestead, the man had fled, leaving the minor alone. Kenyan legislation imposes severe penalties for those who marry underage individuals, including imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to Sh1 million, or both. However, child marriage remains prevalent in many Kenyan communities, driven by cultural practices and economic hardships.

The 2011 Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act and the 2014 Marriage Act provide a robust legal framework to protect children, but full implementation of these laws remains challenging with many perpetrators evading punishment. In contrast to Kenya's efforts to combat child marriage, Iraq faces a potential regression in child protection laws. A proposed bill in the Iraqi parliament aims to lower the legal marriage age for girls to nine years old. This amendment to the Personal Status Law has sparked significant controversy and global protests, with women's rights activists arguing that it would effectively legalize child rape.

If enacted, the bill would grant religious authorities power over family affairs, including marriage, divorce, and childcare. The situation in Iraq is not unique in the region. In neighbouring Iran, the minimum age for marriage with parental consent is 13 for girls and 15 for boys, while marriage without parental consent requires girls to be 15 and boys 18. Despite these regulations, child marriage remains a significant issue in Iran, driven by poverty and traditional practices.

Global efforts to combat child marriage continue with organizations like UNICEF and Girls Not Brides working to raise awareness and support community-based interventions. However, the proposed changes in Iraq's marriage laws serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to uphold children's rights and ensure their safety and well-being worldwide.