site.btaFlying Broom NGO Chair Selen Doğan: Early Child Marriages Cultural, Political Issue

Early child marriages are a cultural and political issue, said Chair of the Board of the Flying Broom Women's Communication and Research Association of Turkiye Selen Doğan in an interview with BTA. Child marriages have been a major social issue in Turkiye for many years, happening in different regions of the country, she added. "There are laws, but they are not perfect."

Child marriages persist as a significant social problem in Turkiye, rooted in cultural and political factors that marginalize women and girls. Despite laws criminalizing the practice, legislative gaps allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. International conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women are often not fully implemented, Doğan said.

Cultural norms across the country pressure girls to marry early, forcing them to abandon education and career aspirations. This issue is widespread, affecting both urban and rural areas. Early marriages lead to long-term consequences, including economic dependence and restricted participation in the labour market for women.

In Bulgaria, particularly among the Roma community, early marriages continue to be a significant concern. The Roma communities in both Bulgaria and Turkiye notably contribute to child marriage statistics. Globally, an estimated 640 million girls and women were married before the age of 18, with 12 million more each year. Certain countries report rates as high as 70%.

Addressing this issue requires the full implementation of children's rights, legal reforms, and a shift in social norms. Resources like the Child Marriage Atlas, developed by the Flying Broom Association provide valuable data and examples from 57 cases in 49 countries. This atlas aims to support organizations and institutions in their efforts to prevent child marriages and advocate for girls' rights, Doğan said.