In Afghanistan, the Taliban has made it illegal to force women to marry
In Afghanistan, the Taliban has made it illegal to force women to marry
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The Taliban announced on Friday that women will no longer be compelled to marry in the war-torn country, in what appears to be a bid to satisfy criteria that developed countries see as a need for recognising their administration and restoring aid.

Following the religious militia’s takeover in August, which forced out U.S. and international forces and caused foreign countries to withdraw financing that had been a backbone of the economy, Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhunzada announced the move at a time when poverty in Afghanistan is on the rise.

The edict said that “no one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure,” adding that “no one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure.” Women’s rights have advanced significantly in Afghanistan over the last two decades of Western engagement, but they are again considered as in jeopardy with the return of the Taliban, who kept women virtually confined under their previous rule in the 1990s.

Internally displaced people are marrying off their young daughters in exchange for a bride-price that can be used to pay debts and feed their family, which has become more widespread in the poor, conservative country.

The order did not specify a minimum age for marriage, which was previously fixed at 16.

Women in Afghanistan have been regarded as property for decades, as a means of exchanging blood money or resolving disputes or tribal feuds. The Taliban has officially said that they are opposed to the practise. They also stated that a widow will now be able to remarry 17 weeks after her spouse’s death, with the freedom to choose her new husband.

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In the event of her husband’s death, it is traditional for a widow to marry one of her husband’s siblings or cousins, according to long-standing tribe traditions.

Afghan courts have been ordered to treat women equitably, particularly widows seeking inheritance as next of kin, according to the Taliban’s leadership. The group also claims to have persuaded government authorities to increase public awareness of women’s rights.

Thousands of girls in grades seven to twelve are still not allowed to attend school, and the majority of women have been barred from returning to their professions since the Taliban took control.