Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Child marriages have witnessed a disturbing surge across Afghanistan, driven not only by economic collapse but also by the Taliban’s tightening restrictions on education for girls and limited work options for women. With schools prohibited for girls beyond the sixth grade, families see marrying off their daughters as a desperate means to secure financial stability.
A bride price, though a lifeline for struggling families, perpetuates the nightmare for the young brides. Child brides face verbal, physical, and sexual abuse in their new homes, leading to a rise in suicide and depression among Afghan teenage girls.
Washington Post has revealed a jarring report which has unfolded in Herat province. According to a research conducted in Shahrak-e-Sabz, a settlement in Herat province, 40 percent of families surveyed there have resorted to selling their daughters as child brides. Conditions in Shahrak-e-Sabz are so dire, with makeshift mud-brick homes and tents providing little shelter against the harsh desert environment. Families, fleeing climate change and conflict, are grappling with extreme poverty, lacking basic amenities such as running water, electricity, and adequate food supplies.
Livelihood programs, educational opportunities, and mental health support should be prioritized to create sustainable solutions for millions of Afghanistan. Additionally, diplomatic efforts are crucial to engage with the Taliban authorities and advocate for policies that protect the rights and well-being of children, particularly girls who are disproportionately affected by the alarming rise in child marriages. The global community cannot turn a blind eye to the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan, and concerted efforts are required to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to the heartbreaking situation faced by these vulnerable children.
