Following a bill in parliament, which, if fully ratified, will allow Rwandans aged 18 to legally marry—albeit under specific conditions—the public’s response has been varied, with views ranging from support to concern.
ALSO READ: You could legally marry at 18 in Rwanda, new bill proposes
The bill aims to reduce the legal marriage age from 21 to 18, based on the age of majority and the right to sexual consent.
Per the new bill, those who have reached the age of majority, but not the marriageable age, can request permission to marry from the district-level civil registrar, as long as they can present a valid justification.
ALSO READ: Getting married at 18: What are "reasonable grounds” in proposed legislation?
While some people welcome the proposed change, arguing that it aligns with the age of majority and grants young adults the autonomy to make decisions about their personal lives, others express reservations about the potential consequences.
Jeremie Niyiguha, a resident of Nyanza District, believes that at the age of 18, individuals possess the capability to make significant decisions regarding their personal lives.
"By this point, many young adults have completed high school education, demonstrating a level of maturity and responsibility,” he said. "Therefore, it is reasonable to entrust them with substantial responsibilities and trust in their ability to navigate the complexities of adulthood.”
Niyiguha also highlighted that the bill holds promise in rectifying a prevalent injustice, as some individuals miss out on opportunities due to old-fashioned marital requirements, particularly impacting their prospects for employment, especially outside the country.
There are also concerns about the potential risks and vulnerabilities that may accompany early marriage, as stated by Etienne Rugero from Kicukiro District.
"An 18-year-old is still in the stage of fulfilling their responsibilities as a young adult, which often includes school and other commitments. It’s important to recognise that taking on the role of managing a household at this age can be a significant responsibility,” he said.
"There’s no rush for an 18-year-old to marry simply because they are expecting a child. Each individual’s circumstances should be considered carefully, and support should be provided accordingly.”
Sylvie Nsanga, a local feminist, said that passing the bill would be a disappointment even to what Rwanda has become.
"This contradicts Rwanda’s belief in the importance of educating young girls and protecting them from early pregnancy. It seems akin to forced marriage, which goes against our values and progress,” she argued.
Albertine Umukunzi, a student at the University of Rwanda, argues that lowering the marriage age could increase the number of divorce cases.
"As we know in Rwanda, the number of divorces has increased a lot and the government is trying everything possible to reduce these divorces. Therefore, allowing 18-year-olds would be a setback in the process of reducing the divorce rate,” she said.
In the majority of countries, the right to marry at age 18 is protected along with all other rights and responsibilities of adulthood. However, some of these countries allow those younger than that age to marry, usually with parental consent or judicial authorisation. These exceptions vary considerably by country.
Regional variations include Uganda at 21, Tanzania changed to 18 by court decision, and Kenya at 18 with polygamous options. In Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Somalia it is set at 18. International law, like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, defines marriage age as 18, emphasising global consensus on protecting children’s rights.