In the Somali tradition, marriage is concluded through negotiations and agreements between the families, but also upon the initiative of the young persons themselves (see also chapter 4).

Do Somalis have arranged marriages?

According to information posted on the Somalia Business Portal, “Arranged marriages are common in Somalia.

What age do Somali girls get married?

She is now back living at her parents house. According to the latest government figures, 34% of Somali girls are married before they reach 18, and 16% of them before their 15th birthday.

What are Somali weddings like?

Somali Marriage The Aroos, or Somali wedding, has a celebration that traditionally encompasses three days of activities such as meals, gift-giving, music, and dancing -- although men and women may celebrate separately. Most Somali weddings have Muslim ceremonies performed by an imam or priest.

Is divorce legal in Somalia?

Jurisdiction limited to civil matters such as marriage and divorce. Civil section has jurisdiction over all cases arising from shari a or customary law or civil cases where matter in dispute does not exceed 3000 Somali shillings.

What is FGM in Somalia?

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia, is almost universal in Somalia - with 98% of women and girls having been cut, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

How long do Somali weddings last?

Traditionally, Somali wedding festivities last for three entire nights. On these three nights there, is plenty of singing, dancing and celebrating on the part of the bride, groom and their guests.

What are Somali dresses called?

In more informal settings, like being at home, Somali women typically wear baati. A baati is a long dress-like wear that is made out of comfortable polyester. Married women tend to sport head-scarves referred to as shash, and also often cover their upper body with a shawl known as garbasaar.

Is child marriage legal in Somalia?

In 2017 in Somalia, 45% of girls are married off before 18 years old. 8% are married before they turn 15. Somalia is the 10th highest nation in the world for percent of child marriages.

How is divorce perceived in different cultures?

Generally, divorce is universally seen as something negative across many cultures. For example, cultures that focus on collective identity tend to perceive divorce as a failure of societal duties that results from a personal flaw or weakness that either or both spouses possess.

Can female circumcision be fixed?

There are a handful of gynecological and plastic surgeons around the world who treat patients with FGM, with promising cosmetic results. “In 90% of cases, it is something that can be reversed with surgery in an hour or an hour and a half,” says gynecologist and plastic surgeon Dr.

What is a Shaash Saar?

Nowadays, the bride usually wears a white wedding dress to her party. This event is known as Shaash Saar, which basically means putting the scarf on the brides head. This is form of respect due to her for being married and is a symbol of her becoming a married woman.

Is Somali a culture?

Unlike many African nations, Somalia is composed of a single, homogeneous ethnic group. Although Somalis may differ in nuances of local lifestyle, they share a uniform language, religion, and culture, and trace their heritage to a common ancestor.