The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for MARR-PRACTICE-1

Feb. 20, 2024, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"[N]o marriage can be registered unless the dowry is processed, which creates inequality within couples and may also induce parents, especially in rural areas, to arrange for the marriage of their daughters at an early age and against their will" (17).
Jan. 22, 2024, 6:37 p.m.
Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Some claimed they had been tasered and beaten, while others told how they were being pressurised to marry members of the Taliban in exchange for their freedom" (para 27). "One Taliban commander is said to have demanded that a father consent to his daughter’s marriage by putting a gun to his head" (para 29).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Women are subjected to customary law and they lack knowledge and information, particularly on marriage laws and this continues to perpetuate discriminatory practices in the area of marriage under customary law. The Legal Aid Programme has been established to deal with issues of access to justice and Legal Aid Act was passed in 2013. This will greatly enhance access to justice by women" (8). "The key challenge is that a significant number of Batswana women are subjected to customary law even though Constitutional law takes precedence over it. The lack of knowledge and information on the part of women themselves regarding Marriage laws and their implications have perpetuated discriminatory practices...more
Jan. 4, 2024, 10:41 a.m.
Countries: Singapore
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Marriage preparation programmes are also mandatory for couples where at least one party is 18 to below 21 years old" (40). "Although the AMLA requires a woman to have permission from a wali (legal guardian) for her marriage, the wali’s decision may be overruled by the Kadi (officials of religious standings appointed by the President of Singapore to solemnize Muslim marriages), if the Kadi considers that the grounds on which the wali refuses to consent to the marriage are unsatisfactory. Moreover, ROMM ensures that the woman also has the right to be heard, even as the wali’s permission must be sought" (41).
Jan. 4, 2024, 10:17 a.m.
Countries: Singapore
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Muslim marriages involving minors under 18 years of age are only allowed under exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Kadi, and with the consent of the minor’s parents/legal guardian" (43). "[M]arriage preparation programmes and parental/guardian consent are mandatory for couples where at least one party is between 18 and 20 years of age… ROMM has introduced the mandatory Bersamamu (With You) programme since 2019 whereby the Kadi has a face-to-face session with the couple before solemnisation and continues to befriend the couple for up to two years after their solemnisation" (43).
Sept. 30, 2023, 4 p.m.
Countries: Kazakhstan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The Committee commends the State party for favouring the involvement of fathers in childcare, including through the promotion of paternity leave. However, it is concerned about the following: Despite being prohibited by law, child and/or forced marriage is prevalent in the State party and is viewed with a high degree of social tolerance" (p.7). "While noting the importance attached to the family in the State party, the Committee notes with concern the following: (c) The prevalence of bride kidnapping, which leads to child and/or forced marriage, and the exemption from criminal liability under article 125 of the Criminal Code (on abduction) in cases of the voluntary release of the abductee;...more
Aug. 8, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"[There is the] persistence of child and/or forced marriages, in particular among Roma girls… [C]ases of child and/or forced marriage are [not] investigated effectively, perpetrators are [not] prosecuted and punished appropriately and women and girls in such marriages [do not] access to protection, including accessible shelters and support services" (5). This indicates that nothing is being done to fight against forced marriages (MV-coder comment). "[C]hild and/or forced marriage [is present within the state]" (13).
Aug. 8, 2023, 12:20 p.m.
Countries: Senegal
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The following steps have been taken under the support programme for female education and women’s empowerment for inclusive local development phase (PAEF-Plus), which complements the Framework and is carried out in 149 schools, including 27 high and middle schools: Promotion of awareness-raising campaigns on reducing the burden of domestic work, gender-based violence, and early marriages and pregnancies through the implementation of a national and community-level communication plan..." (7). "Measures to prevent early pregnancies include: Awareness-raising in order to prevent child marriages; Behaviour change communication for adolescents and young people; Improved access to reproductive health services" (10). "The youth sector has carried out information and awareness-raising activities at adolescent counselling centres...more
Aug. 5, 2023, 12:21 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The Committee recommends that the State party: Prevent and eradicate child and/or forced marriage through coordinated action by the competent authorities, non-governmental organizations and Roma community leaders, in particular by: Strengthening awareness-raising campaigns on the criminal nature and adverse impact of such marriages on the education, health and well-being of women and girls; Establishing mechanisms to detect cases of such marriages; Ensuring that all such cases are investigated and that those responsible are prosecuted and adequately punished; [and] Systematically collecting data on the number of cases reported, investigations, prosecutions and convictions, as well as on the penalties imposed in cases of forced marriage and cohabitation with a minor" (13-14). This...more
July 25, 2023, 10:44 a.m.
Countries: Cambodia
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-2, MARR-PRACTICE-1

"13 reparation projects have been implemented throughout the State party to formally acknowledge victims, establish collective memories and restore the dignity of victims, including victims of rape in the context of forced marriage" (4). Maritial rape occurs within forced marriage which is also present in the state (MV- coder comment).
July 21, 2023, 11:58 a.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"To prevent the cases of early marriage, young girls are encouraged to take various professions. Local education management offices, law enforcement agencies and local executive authorities conduct a regular awareness work jointly with parents to promote their admission to the vocational education schools as they complete their compulsory studies in secondary schools. Furthermore, local healthcare facilities and relevant NGOs undertake awareness raising measures in secondary schools to prevent early marriages. There are the lessons where schoolchildren and parents are provided detailed information about reproductive health, medical, social and psychological consequences of early marriage. They are told that the drop-outs of young girls from schools due to a marriage in early...more
July 21, 2023, 9:33 a.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"In 2016, 3 criminal cases were launched on forced marriage of a woman. During the years of 2017–2018, no such fact was observed. The same actions in relation to minors have caused the start of 17 criminal cases in 2016 and 22 such criminal cases in 2017" (35).
July 10, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The negative impact of gender norms on both girls and boys persists. Conservative factions continue to push back on the gender equality gains made, and through the use of social media, may at times incorrectly 'interpret' Maldivian culture and Islamic principles in a manner which hinders the advancement of women and girls’ rights, and at times specifically endorses practices such as early marriage. The Government is committed to make necessary changes in policy, conduct programs and raise awareness on eliminating traditional gender stereotyping and bias at all fronts." (8).
June 27, 2023, 11:15 p.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Members of the LGBTI community reported that forced marriage was a problem, particularly for lesbian women" (33).
June 14, 2023, 7:56 p.m.
Countries: Bolivia
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"[N]o institution that handles complaints, nor the staff of that institution, can encourage conciliation or formulate agreements between a woman and her abuser" (12).
June 8, 2023, 11:09 p.m.
Countries: Zimbabwe
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"There is also another new Clause in the Bill (Marriages Amendment Bill) which requires that traditional leaders should undergo training in administering marriage rites before becoming marriage officers" (Para.9).
May 19, 2023, 2:31 p.m.
Countries: Nigeria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Through an ancient tradition known as the 'money marriage' or 'Okeh Ingolis' , the Becheve tribe in Cross River State, Nigeria is now infamous for forcing young girls into early marriages. It is a tribe that spreads across 17 communities mostly on the border between Cross River State and Cameroon Repub" (Para.1). "The Money marriage tradition has existed since 1820 and is a custom that requires girls to be sold in exchange for the settlement of debt. The girls also referred to as 'money wives' or 'money wome', are married out in exchange for loans taken by their families. In most cases, the exchange is done without the girl’s consent...more
May 12, 2023, 11:26 a.m.
Countries: Albania
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, DSFMF-PRACTICE-4

"But becoming a burrnesha was also a way to escape an arranged marriage, without dishonouring the groom's family. 'This decision meant they could avoid a blood feud between two families,' says Aferdita. The rules governing blood feuds have long been codified in the Kanun, which helped to bring order to the lives of tribes in northern Albania, particularly during its incorporation in the Ottoman Empire. Under Kanun law, blood feuds were a social obligation to safeguard honour. They could begin with an action as small as a threat or an insult, but could sometimes escalate into a killing, after which the victim's family would be expected to seek their own...more
May 12, 2023, 11:09 a.m.
Countries: Denmark
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

'The study from 2018, which is referred to, states that only 43 percent of the ethnic minority girls in the study are allowed to see male friends in their spare time, while the same is the case for 88 percent of the ethnic Danish girls,' the statement read.'And 13 percent of ethnic minority girls are afraid that their families will plan their future against their will, while the same is the case for 5 percent of the ethnic majority girls. One of the aims of the commission is to bring recommendations on how to equalise differences like these between Danes who are ethnic minorities and majorities,' it added. (Para.39-40).more
April 28, 2023, 9:47 p.m.
Countries: Tanzania
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"According to its 2016/2019 Strategic Plan, TECMN [(Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network)] works to create change for girls and children by ending child marriage and by empowering girls and young women. It seeks to be a voice for all young girls who are in danger of being forced into child marriage" (7). "[I]n 1994, as part of the Programme of Action adopted by the International Conference on Population and Development (the ICPD), countries including Tanzania agreed on measures to eliminate child marriage, as well as to 'strictly enforce laws to ensure that marriage is entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses'" (9).more
April 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Uzbekistan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"In 2016, the following cases were heard under the Criminal Code:...29 cases (79 persons) under article 136 (forcing a woman into marriage or obstructing a woman’s entry into marriage); and one case (two persons)...In 2017:...and 23 cases (46 persons) under article 136...In 2018:...; and eight cases (18 persons) under article 136...In 2018:...and eight cases (18 persons) under article 136...In 2019 (nine months):... 11 cases (27 persons) under article 136..." (33-34).
March 31, 2023, 2:31 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Act No. 126 of 2008 on the minimum age of marriage for women and men [is not effectively implemented], particularly in cases of child and forced marriage… [P]enalties on ma’zoun as perpetrators for contracting such marriages or failing to report them [are not imposed]" (7). "[T]he law on contractual marriages [is not enforced]" (8). "Women’s marriage guardianship grants men the right to oppose a woman’s marriage" (14).
March 8, 2023, 1:43 p.m.
Countries: Montenegro
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"In March 2020, the Government of Montenegro launched the 'Children are children' campaign in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare...this kind of approach to the campaign resulted in the reporting of 7 cases that were processed by the competent authorities. A large number of direct beneficiaries were also included and offered the opportunity to get acquainted with the ways and possibilities of reporting a child and arranged marriage" (10). "There is no shelter in Montenegro that provides accommodation to victims of illegal and arranged child marriages to help the victims reintegrate with the support of professional workers and associates" (12).
March 4, 2023, 7:40 a.m.
Countries: Benin
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Many girls and women in the area love the band's message – including former child brides, says Dorcas. 'They support us [for singing about them].'mThe music helps them question why child marriage 'continues to happen,' she adds. In one song, 'The Forced Marriage,' for example, the girls sing: 'Why impose a man on your daughter? African parents, think of us and our future'" (Para. 21-23).
Feb. 24, 2023, 12:54 p.m.
Countries: Nepal
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The GoN has adopted the following measures to eradicate all harmful practices: (a) Persuading changes in people’s attitude and community practices through Behaviour Change Communication (BCC); (b) Criminalization of all forms of harmful traditional practices against women and girls; (c) Launching awareness raising campaigns against harmful practices such as Chhaupadi, child marriage, dowry system and allegations of witchcraft..." (7). "Due to legal, policy and programmatic interventions against child marriage and other harmful traditional practices against girl child, the practice of child marriage has been gradually decreasing. One such initiative is that nearly 1,000 village level committees are active in 59 districts along with vigilance committees at ward level to support...more
Feb. 18, 2023, 11:08 a.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Trafficking in Malawi manifests in various forms including exploitation through prostitution, child marriage, exploitation of children in the agricultural and tourism sectors, and in domestic work. Commercial sexual exploitation of children is one of the most prevalent forms of sexual exploitation in Malawi. Children who are not registered at birth in most instances never formally acquire a nationality and are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation" (Para.9).
Feb. 18, 2023, 10:28 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"Women who refuse marriage proposals in northern Chad will have to pay a fine of up to £30 under a new ruling" (Para.1). "The Higher Islamic Council in the eastern town of Mangalmé has decreed that men must pay £12 and women up to £30 for refusing to marry. Local authorities said the fine, known as 'amchilini', is based on the Quran and follows Sharia law" (Para.2). "The ruling was met with fierce criticism from human rights groups which say it violates a national law that guarantees freedom of marriage. The Chadian Women’s Rights League launched the hashtag #StopAmchilini to pressure national authorities to repeal the law.' If we have...more
Feb. 6, 2023, 12:07 p.m.
Countries: Kyrgyzstan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The Committee [on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women] remains concerned about the high incidence of gender-based violence against women in the State party, including…the persistence of the harmful practice of bride kidnapping" (5). "The Committee notes with concern...[t]hat the prevalence of non-consensual bride kidnapping, child marriage and forced marriage remains high, especially in rural areas, despite their criminialization under articles 175, 177, and 178 of the Criminal Code" (16).
Feb. 4, 2023, 6:14 p.m.
Countries: Namibia
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1

"The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare conducted a study on child marriage in Namibia. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent and nature of the state of child marriages in Namibia and to inform the relevant authorities to make informed decisions. The state party through the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in all 14 regions continues to carry out awareness on the impact of negative cultural practices as well as to encourage community members to report cases of child marriage." (12).
Feb. 4, 2023, 8:40 a.m.
Countries: Iraq
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-1, PW-PRACTICE-1

"[There is a] persistence of harmful practices that discriminate against women, such as child marriage, temporary marriage (mut’ah marriage, in which marriage is terminated after a specified period), forced marriage, female genital mutilation and crimes committed in the name of 'honour'." (5). "[F]orced marriages and temporary marriages (mut’ah marriages) have been used by men to traffic women within the State party or to neighbouring countries, such as Jordan, Kuwait and the Syrian Arab Republic, for purposes of sexual exploitation" (7).