Child Marriage in Iran

You can find useful information about Child Marriage in Iran in the above Motion Graphic. The text below will give you additional information.

Based on the religious structure that governs Iran, puberty and the beginning of the first menstruation in girls are considered as the threshold of transition from childhood to adulthood. Reaching this physical and biological threshold means a person’s suitability and eligibility for marriage.

Regardless of the real age and ability to manage marital life in some developing countries, early marriage is considered an economic measure that can improve the economic status of the family. 

Although the title of child marriage is assigned to both sides of marriage, i.e. young girls and boys, but the bitter reality of the society shows that the consequences and effects of child marriage are much more serious and dangerous for the girls.

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FAQ About Child Marriage

  • What is the effect of having a concubine in Iran on the child of a married woman? In Iran, the concept of concubinage is not legally recognized or accepted within the framework of marriage. The Iranian legal system follows Islamic law, which prohibits engaging in concubinage or having a concubine. Therefore, the impact of having a concubine on the child of a married woman would not be applicable in the legal context of Iran. It’s important to note that Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage and discouraging any form of extramarital relationships. In the event that a child is born outside of a legally recognized marriage, it may have social and cultural implications, as it deviates from societal norms and expectations. Overall, the legal and social context in Iran does not endorse or recognize concubinage, and any discussion regarding the impact on the child would be outside the legal framework and societal norms.
  • What are the consequences of child marriage? Marrying at a young age has adverse effects on the psychological development of children, especially girls. Most of the child spouses have a weak socio-economic origin and the marriage bond is a transaction between them for the families to manage and eliminate a ‘bread-eating’ member of the family through such measures as asking the man to pay for the girl and their minimum financial support is realized. Marrying at a young age has consequences such as the following: dropping out of school, shortening the childhood period, bearing the burden of marriage at a young age with minimal experience, getting involved in everyday tensions as a result of the lack of emotional maturity and lack of interaction skills, remaining under the involvement of others, lack of experience for the responsibility of motherhood, the possibility of experiencing sexual violence, early pregnancy, death during childbirth due to lack of biological development, despair and hopelessness due to the dominance of others over life affairs, the regret of the parties after gaining a better understanding of each other and the social world, becoming a widow at an early age, and many others.
  • What are the solutions to prevent child marriage in Iran? Changing the legal age of marriage to 18 years, amending the laws of temporary marriage, cultural and educational measures and enlightenment, mandatory and accurate registration of marriages, serious accountability of the government and coordination of related organizations to deal with child marriage, compulsory and free education especially in deprived areas, increasing awareness of the consequences and harms of child marriage through mass media and communication technologies, judicial and legal support from the judiciary to outlaw child marriage and determine heavy punishments for its practitioners, and finally using spiritual and religious figures as the most influential missionaries of social changes in this field.