The article discusses the issue of child marriage among Afghan girls in rural areas affected by droughts, where families sell their daughters to survive financially. Photojournalist Élise Blanchard documents this phenomenon, describing it as a 'survival economy' driven by poverty and lack of humanitarian aid. Families, already in debt from agricultural losses, see selling their daughters as a way to receive money from the groom’s family, often over several years. The practice is widespread and accepted within these communities, with some parents viewing it as a necessary sacrifice. Education opportunities are scarce, further limiting children's futures. The situation has worsened since the Taliban took control in 2021, with little hope for improvement.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of forced child marriages in Afghanistan as a systemic problem rooted in poverty and governance failures, particularly under the Taliban regime. It emphasizes the human cost and moral implications, using emotive language and highlighting the lack of support from external





