How child marriages in Iraq commodify women – Firstpost

Child marriage is a phenomenon that continues to plague many parts of the world, but in Iraq, its persistence is particularly troubling. Deeply rooted in religious jurisprudence and local customs, child marriage in Iraq represents a stark departure from the global march toward gender equality and professional empowerment. As much of the world shifts toward later marriages to accommodate education and career aspirations, Iraq’s entrenched adherence to these outdated practices traps young girls in cycles of trauma, depriving them of education, autonomy, and the opportunity to shape their futures.

This issue not only perpetuates abuse but also weakens Iraq’s ability to integrate effectively into the modern global landscape, as its social policies remain at odds with international human rights standards. As Iraq faces increasing social and economic challenges, addressing this crisis is not merely a moral imperative—it is a question of the nation’s survival and relevance in the modern world.

The persistence of child marriage in Iraq is inseparable from the country’s historical and religious framework. Sharia law, which influences much of Iraq’s legal system, permits child marriage under certain conditions, often tied to the physical maturity of the child. For centuries, religious scholars and tribal leaders have interpreted these guidelines as permission to marry off girls as young as nine, a practice defended as being “consistent with tradition”. In tribal communities, these practices are seen as preserving familial honour, forming strategic alliances, and protecting young girls from the perceived dangers of remaining unmarried beyond puberty.

The Iraq Personal Status Law of 1959, once considered one of the most progressive in the Arab world, prohibited marriage for those under 18 without judicial approval. However, legal amendments and loopholes, particularly following the US invasion in 2003, have eroded these protections. Various political factions, motivated by sectarian interests, have lobbied for religious laws to override civil codes, enabling clerics and tribal leaders to dictate marital norms. This has entrenched child marriage in Iraq’s legal and cultural fabric, effectively prioritising religious dogma and tradition over the rights of children.

While religious jurisprudence provides a legal framework for child marriage, cultural and economic factors amplify its prevalence. In rural areas, poverty and lack of access to education create a fertile ground for early marriage. Families often view their daughters as financial burdens, and marrying them off is perceived as a way to reduce household expenses or even secure dowries to sustain the family. Cultural norms that stigmatise unmarried women exacerbate the issue. In many Iraqi communities, a woman’s worth is measured by her marital status and ability to bear children. Being unmarried beyond adolescence is considered a social failure, casting shame upon the family.

The impact of decades of war and instability cannot be understated. Since the 1980s, Iraq has experienced nearly continuous conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, the US-led invasion in 2003, and the rise of ISIS. These conflicts have devastated the country’s infrastructure, economy, and social services. Displacement, unemployment, and insecurity have left families vulnerable, often pushing them to resort to child marriage as a coping mechanism. In some cases, parents marry off their daughters to protect them from the risk of sexual violence in conflict zones or refugee camps, believing that marriage offers safety—an ironic and tragic misunderstanding, as these unions often lead to lifelong suffering for the girls involved.

The Consequences of Child Marriage

The consequences of child marriage in Iraq are both immediate and far-reaching. For the girls involved, the physical, emotional, and psychological toll is devastating. Most child brides are forced into relationships with older men, often facing marital rape and domestic violence. According to UNICEF, complications from pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 globally—a risk amplified for even younger girls. Education is another casualty of child marriage. Once married, girls are often forced to leave school, ending their academic and professional aspirations. Without education, these young women are condemned to a life of economic dependency and limited opportunities.

This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as their children are also likely to grow up in conditions of deprivation and limited access to education. Child marriage also has broader societal implications. By denying half the population the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the workforce and civic life, Iraq is undermining its own development. Women’s empowerment is a critical driver of economic growth, social stability, and innovation. When girls are married off instead of educated, the nation forfeits their potential contributions, further entrenching cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

A Global Disconnect

The prevalence of child marriage in Iraq highlights a troubling disconnect between the country’s social policies and the global movement toward gender equality and human rights. In much of the world, late marriages have become the norm, driven by the pursuit of higher education, professional aspirations, and personal autonomy. Women are increasingly delaying marriage to establish careers, pursue passions, and gain financial independence. In contrast, Iraq’s adherence to child marriage not only violates international human rights conventions but also isolates the country from global advancements.

Iraq is a signatory to key international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Both treaties explicitly condemn child marriage and call for the protection of girls’ rights to education, health, and freedom from exploitation. Yet Iraq’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce these commitments undermines its credibility on the global stage.

Countries that fail to prioritise gender equality often struggle to attract international investment and partnerships. In an increasingly interconnected world, Iraq’s regressive social policies signal instability and a lack of commitment to modern governance. This limits its ability to engage effectively with other nations, further hindering its development.

The Role of Global Attention and Reform

Addressing the issue of child marriage in Iraq requires a multifaceted approach, combining local advocacy with international pressure. Global organisations, including the United Nations and human rights groups, must prioritise this issue as part of their broader efforts to promote gender equality and child protection in conflict zones. Raising awareness is critical; international media coverage and advocacy campaigns can shine a spotlight on the plight of Iraqi girls, generating public outrage and political will for change.

Iraq must amend its Personal Status Law to set a minimum marriage age of 18 without exceptions. This requires not only legislative action but also enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, particularly in rural and tribal areas where child marriage is most prevalent. Religious and tribal leaders must be engaged as partners in this effort, as their influence is crucial in shaping community attitudes. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can help shift perceptions, emphasising the long-term benefits of delaying marriage and investing in girls’ education.

Finally, education must be prioritised as a cornerstone of reform. Girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of child marriage, as it delays marriage and childbirth while opening up opportunities for economic and social participation. Iraq’s government must invest in accessible, quality education for all children, particularly in marginalised and conflict-affected areas.

A Moral and Strategic Imperative

The fight against child marriage in Iraq is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Gender equality is a cornerstone of modern societies. By continuing to allow child marriage, Iraq is not only failing its girls but also undermining its own potential as a nation. As other countries advance toward gender parity, Iraq risks slipping further into darkness, its social policies increasingly at odds with global norms.

Reforming child marriage practices will not be easy. It requires challenging deeply ingrained traditions, navigating political and religious sensitivities, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity. But the stakes are too high to ignore. The lives of millions of Iraqi girls hang in the balance, along with the country’s future. The global community must stand in solidarity with Iraqi activists, amplifying their voices and supporting their efforts to create a society where girls are valued for their potential, not traded as commodities. Only by addressing this issue head-on can Iraq hope to secure its place in the modern world, as a nation committed to the rights and dignity of all its citizens.

Tehmeena Rizvi is a public policy professional and is pursuing a PhD from Bennett University. Her areas of work include Women, Peace, and Security, focusing on the intersection of Conflict, Muslim Women, and Religion. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.