A draft bill currently being considered by the Iraqi Parliament has ignited widespread outrage and protests, as it proposes lowering the legal age of marriage for girls to a mere nine years old. This alarming proposal, if passed, would amend the existing Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum age for marriage at 18. The bill also allows boys as young as 15 to marry, further exacerbating concerns about the potential for widespread child marriage and exploitation.
The proposed reduction in the legal marriage age has been met with fierce opposition from women’s rights and human rights groups, who argue that it would effectively legalize child marriage and pave the way for increased exploitation of young girls. Despite the international condemnation of child marriage and its recognition as a violation of human rights, Iraq still grapples with a concerning prevalence of the practice. According to a UNICEF report, a staggering 28% of girls in Iraq are married before the age of 18.
While women MPs are actively working to block the passage of the bill, they face formidable opposition from their male counterparts. Alia Nassif, a prominent female MP, has voiced her frustration with the narrow-mindedness and lack of empathy exhibited by some male lawmakers. She criticizes their disregard for the serious consequences of allowing child marriage, arguing that they prioritize their own “masculine thinking” over the well-being and rights of young girls.
The proposed bill has also sparked speculation about the motivations behind this regressive move. Nadia Mahmood, co-founder of the Iraq-based Aman Women’s Alliance, believes that the bill is a deliberate attempt to undermine the progress made by women’s rights organizations and activists in recent years. Following the youth protests of 2019, which saw a surge in women’s participation and activism, some political figures appear to be seeking to curtail the growing influence and power of women in Iraqi society.
This alarming proposal has ignited a fierce debate about the future of women’s rights in Iraq. As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether the voices of reason and justice will prevail over the forces of tradition and oppression. The international community is closely watching the situation in Iraq, urging the government to uphold its commitments to the protection of children and the advancement of women’s rights.
