In Uzbekistan, the practice of early marriage for women remains deeply embedded in cultural traditions, despite ongoing changes in education, urbanization, and gender roles. In 2024, the country’s population stands at approximately 37 mn, with nearly 50% of the population being female. Yet, as the country modernizes, certain practices around marriage—especially the age at which women marry—remain unchanged. While men in Uzbekistan tend to marry later, many women still marry in their late teens or early 20s, which has significant implications for their well-being, education, and professional aspirations.
According to 2024 data on registered marriages, 37.5% of women marry before they turn 20, compared to just 1.4% of men. This early age of marriage can be both a cultural expectation and a societal norm that continues to shape the lives of young women, especially in rural areas. However, as urbanization spreads and education levels rise, some young women are delaying marriage in favor of pursuing higher education and building careers.
Arranged Marriages: A Persistent Tradition
A noteworthy aspect of marriage in Uzbekistan is the prevalence of arranged marriages. In 2020, 155,146 arranged marriages were recorded, a figure that only slightly declined over the years, with 144,067 arranged unions in 2023. Although arranged marriages are increasingly being questioned by younger generations, the tradition still holds strong, particularly in more traditional areas of the country. The role of family in selecting a marriage partner continues to be significant, highlighting a divide between urban and rural marriage practices.
While many in Uzbekistan still see arranged marriages as a way to ensure family approval and social stability, younger individuals are increasingly seeking autonomy in their marital decisions. Yet, despite the growing trend of love-based unions, the number of arranged marriages remains substantial, particularly in rural regions where traditional values are more entrenched.
Education and Delayed Marriages
While the majority of women still marry in their 20s, education is playing an increasingly important role in delaying marriage, particularly in urban areas. The number of higher education graduates among women has seen a dramatic rise, from 37,894 in 2020 to 84,721 in 2023. This shift in educational attainment has led many women to prioritize career development before settling down. However, in rural areas, where traditional expectations are stronger, women still tend to marry younger.
Speaking on the impact of early marriages, Antonia Leudeke, UNICEF’s International Chief of Child Protection had this to say:
"While marriage remains central to family life in Uzbekistan, early marriage often limits young women’s education, career prospects, and autonomy. UNICEF underscores the importance of evolving societal norms to ensure marriage supports the well-being and empowerment of all individuals, especially women. As education levels rise and urbanization spreads, promoting life skills, gender equity, and equitable family roles will help ensure that marriage transitions enhance, rather than hinder, opportunities for young women."
Life After Marriage: Young People’s Experiences
A 2020 UNICEF report, Youth in Uzbekistan, sheds light on the experiences of young people entering married life. For some, marriage brings emotional support and stability. A 23-year-old man from Karakalpakstan shared how starting a family improved his well-being: “For me, starting a family had a positive effect. Someone appeared near me with whom I could share everything that is in my soul. A wife is like your other half. Apart from this, everything I need is done in time: the food is ready on time and I always have clean clothes.”
However, the transition to married life often presents significant challenges, particularly for women. These difficulties should not be seen as an accepted or inevitable part of marriage but rather as a reflection of broader systemic inequities and traditional gender roles. Many young women face intense pressures when moving into their husband’s family home, adapting to new expectations, and managing relationships with in-laws.
A 24-year-old woman from Andijan explained: “When you start a new family, a new life begins. And getting accustomed to a new family might be difficult. Girls enter into a completely different world. While they were still unmarried girls, they felt free. But now they have to consider what the mother-in-law and the husband say, and they might suffer from this.”
These challenges must be addressed in the context of a disturbing trend: the rising rates of violence against women in Uzbekistan. According to preliminary findings from femicide research conducted by a team of researchers with support from UN Women and the School of Data, the number of femicide victims has increased dramatically, reaching a peak of 79 victims in 2023. In 91% of cases, the perpetrators were men, with one in two women murdered by a current or former partner, and one in four killed by a family member. Alarmingly, most victims (61%) were killed in their own homes—spaces meant to provide safety and care.
This data stresses the urgency of rethinking traditional marital dynamics and fostering equitable, supportive relationships. Structural changes are needed to challenge harmful norms and ensure that both partners in a marriage can thrive. Marriage should not perpetuate cycles of control or violence but instead be a partnership grounded in mutual respect, safety, and shared responsibilities.
In rural areas, these challenges are amplified by the strong social pressures placed on women to fulfill traditional roles, such as cooking and cleaning, and the expectation to adhere to strict cultural norms.
Rising Divorce Rates: A Sign of Changing Expectations
Along with the changing age of marriage, Uzbekistan has seen a steady rise in divorce rates over the past few years, from 28,233 divorces in 2020 to 49,198 in 2023. The growing divorce rate reflects a shift in expectations surrounding marriage, with both men and women becoming more selective about the quality of their relationships.
Conclusion: Adapting to Changing Norms
Uzbekistan’s marriage patterns are evolving, with a significant shift toward delayed marriage and an increasing number of individuals questioning traditional practices. The rise in educational attainment, particularly among women, is delaying marriage and giving individuals more control over their futures. At the same time, the persistence of arranged marriages and early unions speaks to the continuing influence of traditional family structures.
As more young people, especially women, gain access to education and enter the workforce, they are becoming more empowered to make their own choices about marriage and family life. However, the challenges that come with early marriage, such as emotional preparedness and adjustment to new family dynamics, highlight the need for continued societal dialogue on the age of marriage and the expectations placed on young women. The increasing rates of divorce also signal that societal norms are shifting, with an emphasis on emotional fulfillment and mutual respect becoming more important in marriage.
Uzbekistan’s evolving marriage trends reflect a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. As the country continues to grow and change, the way people view marriage and family life will undoubtedly continue to adapt.
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