CAIRO – The engagement photos of two Egyptian children Omar, 12 and his fiancée Gharam, 11 has sparked anger, particularly among child and women’s rights activists.
The pictures of Omar in a blue suit, heavily made-up Gharam in a white dress, high heels, and wearing a tiara were the highlights in every newspaper.
Egyptian laws prohibit official registration for marriages for anyone under the age of 18. But the practice remains prevalent. According to UNICEF, 17 percent of Egyptian girls are married before the age of 18, the vast majority of the unions taking place in rural areas.
