In October 2023, a shocking story spread through the Georgian media about the murder of 14-year-old Aitaj Shakhmarova, a victim of early marriage whose life tragically ended after two months of captivity. The news sparked widespread outrage and grief. Yet, during the two months she was kept in captivity, there was silence. This tragic event highlighted a harsh reality: in Georgia, media coverage of early marriage follows a predictable pattern, and it only gains attention when tragedy occurs.
This article argues that the media’s negligence, bias, and systemic inaction in cases of early marriage hinder meaningful progress in protecting women’s rights. In democratic societies, the media is expected to shape public discourse and play a crucial role in safeguarding these rights through investigative journalism and policy advocacy. While media pluralism is vital to a healthy democracy, Georgian media often falls short in offering genuinely inclusive narratives. Civil activist Tozu Gulmamedli criticizes the media for failing to address the root causes of early marriage. She argues that slogans like ‘Don’t marry off your child’ fail to capture the complex social and economic factors that sustain this practice. Rather than reporting on its consequences, the media should confront the causes.
Challenges in Reporting Early Marriage Among Ethnic Minorities
In Georgia, early marriage cases among ethnic minorities are a topic of significant public interest, and covering this subject often raises concerns about media coverage and adherence to journalistic standards. Early marriage is a significant global challenge, and this harmful practice is also widespread in Georgia with a prevalence of about 14%. According to a 2017 study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund, among Georgia’s three main ethnic groups (Georgians, Azerbaijanis, and Armenians), the early marriage rate among Azerbaijani women (37.6%) was approximately three times higher than that of Georgian women (12.4%).
The representation of early marriage in the media often reflects social biases, which impose enormous costs on society. By framing early marriage solely as a cultural issue, media narratives may overlook the complex interplay of socio-economic challenges, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare that numerous ethnic minorities face. As a result, such portrayals perpetuate negative stereotypes and deepen societal divides in Georgian communities.
The specifics and trends of media coverage in Georgia regarding early marriage exhibit significant variability among different organizations. In a personal interview conducted with Kamila Mamedova, founder of Radio Marneuli, which aims to empower communities in Marneuli Municipality, she noted that local media outlets tend to adopt a more constructive approach to reporting on early marriage compared to larger organizations. Major media outlets often adopt a “one-day perspective,” lacking the in-depth analysis this complex issue requires. As Kamila Mamedova notes, “Journalists often find themselves in conflict with the community, as ethnic minorities view media coverage as an attack on their cultural identity”.
In Georgia’s media landscape, social media often drives sensationalism, leading journalists to prioritize ratings over ethical standards. Kamila Mamedova notes that there is often a lack of professionalism, which exacerbates the socio-political challenges, as the realities of early marriage are not adequately represented in media narratives.
Tozu Gulmamedli underlines that the Georgian Public Broadcaster, despite its mission to serve all citizens, largely ignores minority issues until they escalate into crises. This concept of diversity should apply not only to the variety of broadcast programs but also to the target audience and the topics addressed. However, the Georgian Public Broadcaster fails to ensure inclusivity in its operations. As a result, the rights of ethnic minorities living in Georgia are undermined.
In Georgia, media diversity is often limited to cultural events, neglecting its role in strengthening democracy. To genuinely promote diversity, the media must engage in deeper discussions that highlight systemic disparities and advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized communities. By doing so, the media can play a pivotal role in advancing social justice and contributing to a more inclusive democratic society.
Another barrier to inclusive coverage is language, as translating content into minority languages poses a significant financial challenge, especially for local media outlets. Without proficiency in the Georgian language, many individuals turn to foreign television channels, including Russian ones, which facilitates the spread of propaganda within these communities. As Mamedova points out, ‘It is crucial to advocate for increased public awareness, as every individual has the inherent right to access information in a language they understand.’
To effectively combat early marriage and other problems, the Georgian media must move beyond reactive storytelling and adopt a more inclusive and solution-oriented approach. This entails prioritizing investigative journalism, advocating for meaningful policy reforms, and ensuring universal access to information. Most importantly, the voices of marginalized communities must be integrated into national conversations across all issues. Only through professionalism and responsibility can the media fulfill its democratic duty and contribute to social change.
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