Marriage in the Arab World

 Universal, early marriage is no longer the standard it once was in Arab countries: The average age at marriage for both men and women is generally rising, and more Arab women are staying single longer or not marrying at all. These trends are introducing new issues into Arab societies that confront deeply rooted cultural values and raise legal and policy challenges. This policy brief is also available in Arabic. (December 2005)

Marriage Patterns in Palestine
This research paper outlines policies that should be geared toward discouraging early marriage in Palestine. Although most countries in the Middle East and North Africa are experiencing an increase in the age at marriage, early marriage in Palestine continues to be relatively high. The survey of 26 women was conducted by Yara Jarallah, a research and teaching assistant at the Institute of Community and Public Health of Birzeit University, Palestine. This paper was published as part of PRB's MENA Working Paper Series (October 2008)

Reforming Family Laws to Promote Progress in the Middle East and North Africa

 Morocco recently adopted an entirely new family law that is consistent with the spirit of Islam, yet based on equal rights for both men and women. This policy brief is also available in Arabic. (February 2006)