Exploring child marriage in Yemen: a critical analysis of an Arab media corpus
Summary & Objectives
This study examines how Arab media represent child marriage in Yemen and how these representations shape public understanding of the practice, its causes, and responses. Using a corpus-based critical media analysis combined with thematic and sentiment analysis, the study analyses Arabic-language news reports and public reactions to media coverage, including a widely viewed case of a child marriage survivor. The objective is to fill a gap in the literature by systematically analysing media narratives and public sentiment around child marriage in Yemen within its religious, cultural, political, and conflict-affected context.
Findings
The analysis shows that Arab media consistently frame child marriage as a widespread practice in Yemen, driven by poverty, conflict, displacement, illiteracy, and entrenched gender norms. Media narratives strongly emphasise the intersection of religion, culture, and politics, highlighting how religious interpretations are used both to justify and to contest child marriage. The study finds that some religious scholars and political actors actively obstruct legal reform, while others openly oppose the practice and advocate for girls’ education and protection. Sentiment analysis of public responses reveals overwhelming condemnation of child marriage and strong empathy for victims, challenging the assumption that the practice is broadly socially accepted.
Recommendations
The study underscores the need to harness media as a strategic tool for challenging harmful gender norms and misinterpretations of religion that sustain child marriage. It calls for stronger collaboration between policymakers, religious leaders, media practitioners, and civil society to promote rights-based narratives and legal reform. Interventions should move beyond sensationalised reporting toward sustained, context-sensitive media engagement that addresses structural drivers such as conflict, poverty, and lack of education. Strengthening evidence-informed media strategies can support broader efforts to reduce child marriage in Yemen and similar crisis-affected settings.
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