Taliban Bans Forced Marriage of Women in Afghanistan
Taliban chief said, women should not be considered "property" and given consent for marriage.
The Taliban has issued an order banning forced marriages in Afghanistan, barring women from being considered “property” and allowing them to marry.
The order was announced on Friday by Hebatullah Akhunzada, the head of the Taliban government. He is thought to be based in the southern city of Kandahar. The decree states that “both men and women have equal rights.”
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No one can force women to marry by force or coercion,”she added”
The minimum age for marriage in Afghanistan was set at 16, but the new order does not specify the minimum age for marriage.
“A widow will now be allowed to remarry 17 weeks after her husband’s death and will be able to choose her new husband freely,” the government decree said.
Widows and tribal traditions
It has been a long-standing tribal tradition for a widow to marry one of her husband’s brothers or relatives.
The Taliban leadership says Afghan courts have been ordered to treat women fairly, especially widows who seek refuge in exile. The Taliban government, which came to power in August this year, has asked government ministers to spread awareness about women’s rights throughout the population.
