Iraq: Before independence.. Even after independence, poverty, lack of literacy, high number of children, etc. people used to get married at a young age.. child marriages used to happen. But with increasing literacy, marriage age is also increasing. Progeny is also decreasing. Once a couple had ten or twelve children. Later that number came to half a dozen. Now it's down to one or two. But in some Muslim countries there is still no limit on the number of children. Laws and regulations are strictly enforced in countries where birth control is in place. But in India.. girls and boys are not interested in getting married even till they reach 30 years of age. Focusing on studies, job and earning. They say marriage is only after settling down in life. The doctors also confirmed the marriageable age. Accordingly, a decision has been reached around the world. Even if it's a bit here and there.. they are almost equal. The girl's marriage age is 18 and the boy's marriage age is 21 years. Some countries are also trying to increase this age. But Iraq wants to lower the marriage age. The idea is to reduce the minimum age of marriage to 9 years. It is also expected to make a law to this effect.
Currently 18 years old..
The minimum age for marriage in Iraq is currently 18. This controversial bill designed to amend the Personal Status Law was introduced in the Parliament by the Iraqi Minister of Justice. The bill allows the choice of either religious authorities or the civil judiciary to decide family matters. However, this law takes away women's rights in matters of inheritance, divorce and custody of children. But if the bill is approved in the parliament, there is concern that child marriages will increase massively. It is hoped that this bill will overturn the progress achieved so far in terms of gender equality and women's rights.
If the bill is approved..
If the bill that is currently being introduced in Iraq is approved, the marriage age for girls will be 9 years and the marriage age for boys will be 15 years. This raises fears of increased child marriages and exploitation. Critics argue that the retrograde move will undermine decades of progress in promoting women's rights and gender equality. Human rights groups and women's groups are also strongly opposing this bill. It is claimed that this hinders the education of girls and also affects their health. They are warned that they will have to face serious consequences like pregnancy at a young age and domestic violence. But according to the United Nations subsidiary UNICEF, 28 percent of girls in Iraq are married before the age of 18. But Iraq had made a similar attempt in the past but backed down due to the opposition of lawmakers. Criticism is being expressed for trying to introduce the bill again recently.
