Somalia’s 24-Hour Law: Parliament Reverses Decision to Set Marriage Age at 18
Child marriage remains one of Somalia’s most entrenched social issues, sustained by religious interpretation, cultural norms, and the absence of a clear legal framework. Despite years of advocacy from rights organizations, Somalia still has no legally defined minimum age for marriage, a gap that continues to expose countless girls to early unions and abuse.
In October 2025, the Somali federal government took a historic step forward when it passed a measure to set the minimum marriage age at 18. However, the decision was reversed less than 24 hours later, following intense backlash from religious leaders and sections of the public who argued that the law contradicted Islamic principles.
The swift reversal reignited a long-standing national debate over how Somalia should reconcile child rights protections with religious and cultural traditions, revealing deep divisions within the country’s political, legal, and social fabric.
A Persistent and Deeply Rooted Practice
According to a 2020 joint report by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Somali government, around one in three Somali women aged 20–24 were married before turning 18, a decline from about 45% in 2017 but still among the highest rates globally. In some rural and nomadic areas, the figure is even higher, with roughly 16% of girls married before age 15.
In Somali society, puberty, not age, often defines adulthood. Once a girl reaches physical maturity, she may be considered eligible for marriage. Some parents arrange marriages as soon as their daughters reach puberty, in some cases, as early as age 10.
Poverty, insecurity, and patriarchal traditions further entrench the practice. Families often marry off young daughters to reduce economic burdens, secure alliances, or prevent extramarital pregnancies. In many communities, early marriage is viewed as both a religious obligation and a source of family honor.
Cultural Practices and Forced Marriage
Traditional customs are one of the main reasons for child marriage in Somalia. Practices such as xeer, dumal, higsian, and godob reeb remain common in some regions.
Girls are also married off as compensation in rape cases, with victims pressured to wed their attackers to “restore family honor.” Among nomadic populations, where formal justice systems are limited, such practices are often viewed as legitimate conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Women who resist forced marriages can face social exclusion, loss of child custody, or denial of inheritance rights. Many never report abuse out of fear of stigma or retaliation.
A Step Forward, Then a Swift Reversal
On October 2, 2025, Somalia’s federal parliament approved legislation to set 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage. The move was hailed by international organizations as a long-awaited breakthrough for children’s rights.
However, within hours, religious scholars and community leaders criticized the law as “contrary to Islamic teachings,” insisting that maturity, not age, should determine marriage eligibility. Under mounting public pressure, the government withdrew the measure the following day.
The reversal underscored how fragile reform efforts remain in Somalia, where political decisions are deeply influenced by religious and clan dynamics.
The Impact on Girls
Child marriage undermines nearly every aspect of a girl’s life. Married girls are far more likely to drop out of school, face domestic violence, and suffer maternal health complications from early pregnancies.
Rights advocates continue to urge the government to reintroduce and pass a Child Rights Bill that clearly defines the minimum marriage age, prohibits forced marriages, and strengthens legal recourse for affected children.
A Country at a Crossroads
Somalia’s struggle over child marriage epitomizes a broader national challenge, reconciling modern child protection norms with religious and cultural identity. The debate goes to the heart of how the country defines childhood, family, and morality.
Until Somalia establishes a clear, enforceable minimum age for marriage, millions of girls will continue to face the risk of being married before they are ready, a practice that denies them their right to education, safety, and self-determination.
The world is watching to see whether Somalia can transform its international commitments into meaningful protection, ensuring that every child can grow up free from the bonds of early marriage and the burdens it brings.
Call to Action
Somalia’s leaders, religious scholars, and communities must come together to craft laws and policies that protect children without alienating cultural and religious values. Religious and community leaders hold immense power to influence social change, and must use that influence to promote protection, education, and dignity for girls.
Civil society, educators, and international partners should continue to advocate for comprehensive child protection reforms, invest in awareness programs, and amplify the voices of young girls who deserve a say in shaping their own futures.
Conclusion
Somalia stands at a defining moment. Real change depends on sustained dialogue, political will, and social transformation.
Every Somali girl deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive free from the constraints of early marriage. Upholding that right determines the future of these young girls.
