Celebrating weddings, protecting childhood
Weddings in Yemen are times of music, dance and family joy. These traditions are part of a rich heritage. This article explains how communities can keep celebrating weddings while making sure that no bride is a child.
A heritage worth keeping
Wedding songs, dances, clothes and feasts bring families together. They carry memories and identity from one generation to the next.
When the bride is a child
Behind the celebration, a child bride may feel fear and confusion. She leaves her family, her school and her friends.
The joy of the day can hide the harm that follows.
Celebrating the right way
- Celebrate weddings when both partners are adults and have chosen freely.
- Let girls enjoy weddings as guests, dancers and singers, not as brides.
- Use family gatherings to talk about the value of education for girls.
Tradition and change together
Protecting girls does not mean giving up tradition. It means keeping what is beautiful and leaving behind what causes harm.
A wedding is truly joyful when the bride is grown, ready and willing.