Cablegate: Campaign to Combat Early Marriage in Yemen Seeks
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SANAA 001729
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV EAID KWMN PHUM SOCI KMCA KMPI YM
SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT EARLY MARRIAGE IN YEMEN SEEKS
USG SUPPORT
1. Summary. Pol/Off attended an Oxfam-sponsored presentation
on early marriage in Yemen on June 7. Yemeni researchers
presented results from a national study on the prevalence,
causes, and societal consequences of early marriage. Oxfam,
in conjunction with Save the Children - Sweden, plans to
launch a public awareness campaign on the negative
consequences of early marriage and to lobby for a new law
establishing a minimum age of
marriage. The campaign will be waged by local NGOs in
cooperation with ROYG agencies, and with technical and
financial support from a variety of international
organizations and foreign missions. End Summary.
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Prevalence of Early Marriage
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2. The study concluded that early marriage (defined as below
18 years) is prevalent in Yemen and exacerbates gender
inequality and poverty. Researchers, under the auspices of
the Women's Studies and Development Center, found that 52.1
percent of Yemeni women are married at an early age, compared
with only 6.7 percent of men.
3. Poverty leads the list of root causes of early marriage,
but moral concerns also play a significant role. Limited
access to educational and job opportunities means many
families consider female members an economic drain,
encouraging many to pass on the financial responsibility to a
husband at the earliest opportunity. The study also found
that many rural families are concerned with protection of
their moral integrity. These families believe early marriage
prevents their daughters from getting into trouble in their
teenage years, hence preserving familial honor and
reputation.
4. Researchers also concluded that early marriage perpetuates
the destructive cycle of inequality and poverty. Girls who
marry before 18 years old are more likely to be impoverished,
poorly educated, and lack access to basic healthcare.
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Alliance Against Early Marriage
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5. Oxfam and Save the Children - Sweden are working to create
an alliance of local NGOs, international aide organizations,
foreign missions and ROYG agencies. The group hopes to
partner with the ROYG and local media outlets to launch a
public awareness campaign on the negative health and economic
consequences of early marriage, as well as to lobby for a law
to raise the minimum age of marriage in Yemen. Oxfam plans
to officially kick off on July 11, International Population
Day, when the Women's National Committee will present these
research findings to a large gathering of ROYG officials.
6. Comment: Oxfam has requested USG support for the campaign
against early marriage. Several international organizations
have already joined the alliance, including UNDP, ILO and the
German Development Service (DED). The Oxfam-led group
appears well organized and committed. Utilizing this study,
Oxfam and the other partners are developing a comprehensive
plan. Acutely aware of the sensitive nature of early
marriage in a conservative society, the group is committed to
helping local NGOs and ROYG agencies take the lead in this
effort. Media training is a potential area for USG
contribution. Instruction to improve basic reporting skills
and understanding of women's issues would significantly
increase the effectiveness of the media campaign. Pol/Econ
will coordinate with PD to evaluate training options. End
Comment.
Khoury