ROCHELLE JUNIOR

Sweida- Due to the conflict and political instability that has been going on in Syria for more than 13 years, women and girls suffer from many problems such as gender-based violence, child and forced marriage, economic crisis and the lack of healthcare services and security. The patriarchal mindset in society forms the basis for oppressive policies, particularly against women and girls.

The increase in child marriage, which is a violation of human rights, is at alarming level in Syria. Aya Qatini, who is from Sweida’s Raymah Hazem village, is one of the victims of child marriage; she was forced into child marriage when she was 14.

She gave birth to her first child at the age of 15

Aya Qatini gave birth to her first child when she was just 15. She had to shoulder all the responsibility while she was also a child because her husband went to different countries to work. She was diagnosed with cancer six months after giving birth to her first child.

“I had many dreams but the reality prevented me from realizing them. I was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer six months after I gave birth to my first child. Since I couldn't take care of my son, I sent him to my family. As my health was deteriorating, my husband asked a divorce. I got divorced and returned to my family. I received psychological support for a long time but I stopped receiving psychological support because my ex-husband did not cover our son’s expenses.”

Aya Qatini can now buy her medications with the support of some aid organizations. She called on parents not to marry off their daughters and on women to “trust themselves”.