By:Shahla Abghari<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On “International Day of the Girl “one might ask: “Why an International Day of the Girl ?\u201d
We live in a century where the internet and science are rapidly propelling society toward progress; yet, inequality and discrimination persist worldwide. Despite the extensive efforts made by women’s and feminist movements throughout this century, women and girls in many parts of the world continue to suffer disproportionately from gender-based discrimination. A look at the situation reveals that, regardless of nationality or location, girls in many countries are deprived of their fundamental rights and subjected to various forms of violence. Poverty, war, inequality, and discriminatory laws and traditions have denied millions of girls the opportunity for growth and a safe life, leaving them to face numerous challenges:
Child Marriage: Due to early marriage, girls are robbed of their childhood and exposed to the risks of early pregnancy and dropping out of school; they are subjected to various forms of violence, with many falling victim to domestic abuse and “honor killings” (1).
Denial of Education: Millions of girls are kept out of school due to poverty, war, discrimination, or government-imposed bans. Violence and abuse: Girls are exposed to sexual abuse, rape, human trafficking, and exploitation due to domestic violence and their inherent vulnerability (2).
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): This harmful practice persists in some communities, threatening the physical and mental health of girls.
Poverty and inequality: Due to poverty and gender discrimination, girls in many families are deprived of proper nutrition, healthcare, and equal opportunities.
War and displacement: In conflict zones, girls face a higher risk than boys of death, sexual violence, displacement, and the loss of educational opportunities.
Legal and social discrimination: In some societies, girls lack freedom of choice, social participation, and equal access to rights and opportunities.
International sources report shocking statistics regarding these issues:
There are 650 million women and girls worldwide who were child brides, having married before the age of 18. More than 230 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation, and in 2024, approximately 676 million women and girls are living within 50 kilometers of deadly events resulting from armed conflict.
Given these facts, girls in many parts of the world are deprived of human rights\u2014as if they were not even human!
Deprivation and violence against girls are not merely family or cultural issues; Rather, it is a global and human rights issue, as well as a serious obstacle to development and social justice. Upholding the right to education, combating child marriage and violence, ensuring health and legal equality, and involving girls in decision-making processes are among the most important responsibilities of governments and the international community.
Consequently, the United Nations designated October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in 2012. The aim is to strengthen girls’ rights and draw special attention to the discrimination and challenges they face due to their age and gender.
The United Nations’ theme for this year is “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights.”
This theme emphasizes that supporting girls cannot be achieved merely by declaring legal equality; it also requires protective laws, access to education and healthcare services, the elimination of discrimination, and the genuine participation of girls in decision-making.
In Iran, too, the International Day of the Girl Child offers an opportunity to address fundamental issues regarding the rights of children and women.
Given that the UN’s theme this year is “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights,” it is pertinent to examine this issue as it affects girls in Iran.
Under Article 1041 of the Civil Code of Iran, the legal age for marriage is set at under 13 for girls and under 15 for boys\u2014ages recognized as the age of puberty. A court ruling is required for the marriage of a child below the age of puberty; furthermore, the permission of the father or paternal grandfather is generally required for the marriage of a girl, regardless of her age. Therefore, under the law in Iran, child marriage is legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Destructive Effects of Child Marriage:
Premature marriage can have devastating physical and psychological effects on a child. In such unions, children are thrust into the adult world far too soon. Girls are the primary victims of child marriage; they are typically wed to adult men who are significantly older, a disparity that often leads to abuse\u2014including physical and sexual violence\u2014resulting in severe consequences for the girls’ physical and mental well-being.
In these premature marriages, the relationship between the husband and wife often resembles that of a slave and a master. Within the marital bond, the young girl is effectively a slave bound by invisible chains; the man issues commands while she is expected to be submissive. Failure to obey results in verbal abuse, beatings, or even death. In the bedroom, she is subjected to rape without sexual awareness or readiness, as she is legally required to submit\u2014a mandate within Iranian law that effectively legitimizes marital rape. Children born into these circumstances constantly witness their father’s aggression and often become aggressive themselves, thereby perpetuating and intensifying the cycle of violence within society.
Premature marriage severely impacts girls’ physical health. Research indicates that girls who marry before the age of 15 are 50 percent more likely to experience complications related to pregnancy and childbirth\u2014as well as death\u2014compared to those who marry at a later age. Pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death for these young girls worldwide. The infants of these mothers face a higher risk of death, as well as a greater likelihood of low birth weight and malnutrition. Early marriage increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and developing cervical cancer, malaria, and obstetric fistula.
Diminished self-confidence in children: Family and friends play a crucial role in boosting a child’s self-confidence; when a child is suddenly separated from this support system during the critical stage of self-confidence development, that process is impaired.
Interruption of education: Child marriage affects the ability to continue schooling. Burdened with household and child-rearing responsibilities, girls are often forced to drop out of school, which in turn impacts their future economic empowerment.
Rising divorce rates: Many premature marriages end in divorce.
Increase in honor killings: Many early marriages pave the way for honor killings, the incidence of which is on the rise.
Research indicates that numerous factors contribute to the rising rates of child marriage. These factors, listed in order of importance, are as follows: 1\u2013 Poverty: When a family cannot afford the costs associated with raising a child, they may resort to marrying off their children\u2014particularly daughters\u2014at a young age to reduce living expenses, often unaware that child marriage can actually perpetuate poverty in the long run. 2\u2013 Absence or inadequacy of laws:
In many countries, there are no laws prohibiting early marriage; where such laws do exist, they are often inadequate, unenforced, or easily circumvented.
3\u2013 Gender discrimination: In societies where girls are treated as second-class citizens\u2014denied equal human rights, viewed as the property of fathers and men, and regarded as the bearers of the family’s honor\u2014early marriage is often preferred as a means to safeguard a girl’s virginity and preserve the family’s reputation. It is in this context that “honor killings” occur: either while the girl is under the guardianship of her father or brother\u2014before she has been forced into early marriage\u2014or, subsequently, at the hands of her husband. Although reliable statistics are lacking in Iran, available data indicate a rise in both child marriage and honor killings, driven by a combination of the aforementioned factors.
4\u2013 Lack of support for girls’ right to choice, safety, health, and an independent future:
It is crucial to support girls’ right to choice, safety, health, and an independent future, enabling them to play an active role in society alongside men and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Considering the factors contributing to the rise of child marriage, it is evident that addressing the four points mentioned above is essential. Efforts must be made to reduce\u2014and ultimately eradicate\u2014poverty and discrimination within society, while simultaneously enacting and enforcing appropriate laws to prohibit and prevent child marriage. Of course, we must bear in mind that, in addition to the four points mentioned, raising awareness and education play a crucial role. If parents are aware of the harm caused by early marriage, they might hesitate to proceed with it and avoid ruining their children’s futures.
The core message of this day is that girls should not fall victim to discrimination, violence, or decisions made without regard for their own wishes and best interests. Championing girls’ rights is an investment in building a healthier, more equal, and more peaceful society.
Let us be diligent in sharing this message within our own communities.
Shahla Abghari \u2013 Member of the Research and Education Working Group, Campaign to Stop Honor Killings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ref: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1- Shahla Abghari, Early Marriage and Its Consequences(2025)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2- Shahla Abghari, Human Trafficking: Hidden Violence Against Women and Children (2026)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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