Girls in Central Asia face forced marriages despite laws against it

In Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, widespread cultural practices continue to undermine legal standards regarding the marriage age, often forcing young girls into marriages against their will. Despite international laws that set the minimum age of marriage at 18, many girls are compelled to marry as minors, with cases emerging where they are kidnapped and married off without any consent. Girls like Nigora, who married early due to familial pressure, face significant setbacks in their education and personal development as they often become economically dependent on their husbands. Human rights advocates highlight the severe consequences of such practices, noting that teenage marriages can lead to increased risks in maternal health and a loss of educational opportunities for young girls. For instance, one girl, Asel, recalls being abducted at 16 and brought into a marriage that prevented her from pursuing her dream of attending art school. This scenario is not isolated; rather, many girls find their aspirations stifled by local customs that prioritize marriage over education. Efforts to combat these issues are ongoing, with amendments made to criminalize child and forced marriages in Kyrgyzstan. However, experts like Dariana Gryaznova argue that legal changes alone will not solve the problem. They advocate for a multi-pronged approach that includes public education, economic empowerment, and support services aimed at addressing the root causes of gender inequality and the marginalization of women and girls. As these cultures evolve, comprehensive strategies that engage communities and empower women are vital. Without these, even the strongest legal frameworks may remain ineffective in curbing the prevalence of underage marriages in Central Asia.