NEXEM KARACA

Gaza- Child marriage is a disease all around the world. Victims of child marriage face many difficulties after marriage and this affects their lives, particularly their psychology. In Palestine, girls are forced into marriage at a young age despite the laws. We spoke to female victims of child marriage and psychologist Suad Abu Dhalfa about the effects of child marriage.

Her parents wanted her to marry a man when she was 14 years old

24-year-old A. (she asked for her real name not to be used) told us her story. She got married when she was 14 years old, “My parents chose a man, the best man for me, and wanted me to marry him. When they asked me, I agreed to marry the person chosen for me. But I didn’t know what kinds of duties and responsibilities I should bear. I didn’t know marriage is so complex. I became pregnant after my marriage. I had many health problems because I was too young. I also had problems with my husband’s family.” A. decided to get a divorce after facing many difficulties.

“I will not allow my daughters to get married at a young age”

A.D (she asked for her real name not to be used) is also a victim of child marriage. “I got married when I was very young. But I didn’t know what marriage was. I had health problems in my first pregnancy and I still have these health problems. I faced many difficulties in getting married at a young age and I will never allow my daughter to be forced into marriage at a young age. I will do my best to send my daughter to school.”

Child marriage and violence

Suad Abu Dhalfa, a psychologist at the Palestinian Women's Affairs Center, said that the minimum legal age for marriage for women is 18 and for men is 17 in Palestine, “however some families respect old traditions, and force their children into marriage at a young age.” Suad Abu Dhalfa indicated that there are many reasons for child marriage, “such as families’ lack of awareness, economic situation, and the customs and traditions of the society. The parents think they protect their girls by forcing them into marriage. The ongoing clashes in Palestine also increase child marriage cases. Girls have to leave school and they are subjected to violence in their marriage.”

“Girls married as children are at increased risk for depression”

Child marriage also affects girls’ psychology, Suad Abu Dhalfa said, “The girls lose their feelings. They are deprived of their childhood and are subjected to psychological pressure. Girls married as children also have health problems. Child marriage also increases the risk of miscarriage. Girls married as children are at increased risk for depression after giving birth. Some of them think of killing themselves.”

“We should raise the awareness of the public against child marriage”

Suad Abu Dhalfa also talked about the solutions to decrease child marriages, “We should launch campaigns against child marriage in order to raise the awareness of the public. Shelters should be built for girls, victims of child marriage.”