Women’s Capacity to Enter Into Marriage

Applicable CEDAW Provision
Articles 16(1)(a), 16(1)(b) Paras. 15-16 GR21 Para. 34 GR29
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Capacity of adult women to enter into marriage

  • Afghanistan
  • Bahrain
  • Egypt
  • Iraq
  • Morocco
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Bahrain - Sunni

The consent of a marital guardian (​wali​)​ i​s not required for adult brides and grooms.

  • Bangladesh
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka

The consent of a ​wali i​s not required for Hanafi women who have reached puberty.

Capacity of adult women to enter into subsequent marriages

  • Bahrain
  • Indonesia
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Palestine
  • Bahrain - Sunni
  • Lebanon - Shia
  • Palestine - West Bank

The consent of the ​wali ​is not required for the subsequent marriages of an adult woman who has been previously married.

  • Palestine
  • Syrian Arab Republic
  • Palestine - Gaza

The marriage of an ​adult woman who enters into a marriage contract without the consent of a ​wali ​is considered valid unless the husband is found to be incompatible.