Afghan Women Trapped in Abusive Marriages by New Decree
A new decree in Afghanistan has made it impossible for women and girls to leave unwanted or abusive relationships, even with family support. This has left many women, like Fatima, trapped in calamitous marriages with no escape. The decree has sparked concerns about the rights and well-being of women in the country.
The latest decree from Afghanistan’s rulers has made it impossible for women and girls to leave unwanted or abusive relationships, even with family support. When Fatima arrived at a district court in northern Afghanistan in late 2025 with her parents, she hoped a judge would finally allow her to leave her calamitous marriage. She had never met her husband before their arranged wedding in the summer of 2024. Each time her family asked to see him, they were told he was shy. It was only on the wedding day, relatives say, that Fatima understood what had been hidden from her: her husband had severe intellectual and physical disabilities and could not eat, wash or dress himself without help. This shocking discovery has left Fatima feeling trapped and desperate for a way out. Unfortunately, the new decree has tied her hands, making it impossible for her to escape the marriage, even with the support of her family. The situation has sparked widespread concern about the rights and well-being of women in Afghanistan, who are already facing significant challenges in the country. The decree has been criticized for perpetuating a culture of oppression and abuse, and for denying women their basic human rights. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the plight of women like Fatima, who are trapped in abusive marriages with no escape.
