For many families in Saudi Arabia, marrying off their daughters at a young age is seen as a way to secure their future and protect their honor. However, the consequences of child marriage are far-reaching and devastating. Young girls forced into marriages often face physical and emotional abuse, limited access to education and economic opportunities, and a higher risk of health complications due to early pregnancies.
The legal age of marriage in Saudi Arabia is 18, but there are loopholes in the law that allow for girls as young as 15 to be married with the permission of a male guardian. This lack of enforcement of the legal age limit contributes to the prevalence of child brides in the country.
Efforts to address the issue of child marriage in Saudi Arabia have been made in recent years, with organizations and government agencies working to raise awareness about the harmful effects of early marriage and provide support for at-risk girls. However, progress has been slow, and more needs to be done to protect the rights of young girls and ensure they have access to education and opportunities for a better future.
As a society, we must continue to advocate for the rights of children and work towards ending the practice of child marriage in Saudi Arabia. Every girl deserves the chance to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the burden of early marriage and its devastating consequences. It is only through collective action and a commitment to change that we can create a brighter future for the next generation of young girls in Saudi Arabia.
Human right activist
Nada Foundation
