A Win for Women’s Rights: Forced Marriages Are Coming to an End

In a major step toward gender equality, lawmakers and activists in Kazakhstan are moving to outlaw bride kidnapping — a long-standing custom that has devastated countless women’s lives and families.

“In no way can this be justified. It contradicts the ideals of a progressive society in which the dignity, rights and freedoms of every human being are absolute values,” said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, whose intervention reignited public debate and fast-tracked parliamentary reforms.

The reform would make forced marriage a distinct crime under national law, ensuring stronger protection and justice for victims. The new article under discussion would introduce prison sentences of up to ten years in severe cases, or five years when the victim is a minor. Between 2022 and 2025, authorities registered 214 cases of bride kidnapping, but only ten reached court — a mere 7% conviction rate. Human rights advocates argue that legal clarity and education on consent could empower young people to reject coercive traditions and ultimately help end this harmful practice.