Continuous Awareness of Child Marriage

The Irbid Community center held an awareness session on the causes of child marriage, gathering women to discuss and educate them on the matter.

21st of April 2018

Irbid, Jordan (ACCTS/AWT)- Being aware of the importance of raising awareness about Child marriage and dealing with its dangerous and critical effects among women, ICC conducted an awareness lecture in cooperation with Al-Sarih Charity Association which hosted us on an outreach among beneficiaries living in nearby towns to discuss with them all dimensions of this crucial topic.

A Jordanian study showed that the problem of child marriage in Jordan has been exacerbated and the proportion of young wives has increased, particularly in the areas close to the Syrian refugee camps.

The Higher Council for Population launched a study of minors in Jordan and the most prominent factors and reasons found; explaining why families have called for the marriage of their daughters. Factors, such as poverty and the physical conditions of families. The study also pointed out that other reasons are customs, traditions and asylum.

The social risks of this early marriage (child marriage) are detrimental as it deprives females of completing their education, their physical, social, and psychological and childhood development. It also presents them with marital and family problems due to the lack of understanding of marriage and marital rights and duties. Health and physical complications occurring during pregnancy and childbirth, caused by the incomplete physical development, exposes them to divorce at a young age. Those who experienced such cases shared their stories, for some with tears.

Here is a feedback from one of the participants named Halima. She, as the other ladies, felt compelled by the topic.  At the end of the lecture, she and her fifteen-year-old daughter met the ICC manager saying, “Before coming to the lecture I had decided to get my daughter out of school, because of her father’s death. But now, after this lecture I found that I was in the wrong. And I will encourage her to complete her studies.”

Halima’s response to the awareness session is incredibly encouraging. This is why awareness sessions are set up; to see change in mindsets which brings change in community.