Quit education for marriage?
In Uzbek families, girls aged 17–20 are pressured to leave their studies in order to get married. The so called “marriage first" tradition often harms and restricts a girl’s rights.
According to the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
Constitution (Articles 50, 52)
Everyone has the right to education. Forcibly restricting this right is illegal.
Criminal Code (Article 136)
Coercion into marriage is punishable. Pressure and threats may also lead to legal liability.
Family Code
The legal age for marriage is 18. Forcing someone into early marriage is considered a violation of the law.
To prevent cases of forced withdrawal from education, it is прежде всего necessary to raise legal awareness. Every girl should know about her right to education and that forced marriage contradicts the law.
• It is important to maintain open dialogue with parents, explaining that education is important not only for personal development but also for the well-being of the whole family.
Educational institutions should strengthen systems of psychological and legal support.
In addition, supporting girls’ economic independence and providing scholarships and grants helps reduce pressure. Most importantly, society should foster a culture of conscious choice and equality.
Marriage is often seen as a “sign of adulthood,” and girls are expected to prioritize family duties over education.
Education is the strongest tool for preventing forced marriage. The more a girl studies, the more independent, aware, and capable she becomes in defending her rights.
In Uzbekistan, special mechanisms have been created so that marriage does not become an obstacle to education:
• Benefits for female students: According to a presidential decree, women are provided with education loans for up to 7 years without interest, supported by the state.
• Master’s programs: In state higher education institutions, tuition fees for all women studying in master’s programs are covered by the state budget.
Thus education plays a key role in shaping an independent individual. Every girl should receive an education. An educated girl has more opportunities for employment, financial independence, and making informed decisions about her life.
In Uzbek families, girls aged 17–20 are pressured to leave their studies in order to get married. The so called “marriage first" tradition often harms and restricts a girl’s rights.
According to the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
Constitution (Articles 50, 52)
Everyone has the right to education. Forcibly restricting this right is illegal.
Criminal Code (Article 136)
Coercion into marriage is punishable. Pressure and threats may also lead to legal liability.
Family Code
The legal age for marriage is 18. Forcing someone into early marriage is considered a violation of the law.
To prevent cases of forced withdrawal from education, it is прежде всего necessary to raise legal awareness. Every girl should know about her right to education and that forced marriage contradicts the law.
• It is important to maintain open dialogue with parents, explaining that education is important not only for personal development but also for the well-being of the whole family.
Educational institutions should strengthen systems of psychological and legal support.
In addition, supporting girls’ economic independence and providing scholarships and grants helps reduce pressure. Most importantly, society should foster a culture of conscious choice and equality.
Marriage is often seen as a “sign of adulthood,” and girls are expected to prioritize family duties over education.
Education is the strongest tool for preventing forced marriage. The more a girl studies, the more independent, aware, and capable she becomes in defending her rights.
In Uzbekistan, special mechanisms have been created so that marriage does not become an obstacle to education:
• Benefits for female students: According to a presidential decree, women are provided with education loans for up to 7 years without interest, supported by the state.
• Master’s programs: In state higher education institutions, tuition fees for all women studying in master’s programs are covered by the state budget.
Thus education plays a key role in shaping an independent individual. Every girl should receive an education. An educated girl has more opportunities for employment, financial independence, and making informed decisions about her life.
Zikiryaeva Jasmina
