When she was 7 years old, Rahila Muhibi was engaged to her 8-year-old first cousin. The betrothal was arranged, in the Afghan custom, by her father.
When Muhibi was ready for high school, her father fended off relatives who demanded that the marriage take place. He thought she was too young, and instead helped her win a scholarship to attend school in Canada.
Her father now says the time has come for Muhibi to return to Afghanistan and marry her cousin.
She has refused, setting up a test of wills with her father and a challenge to the societal customs that require women to be obedient daughters and wives.
"It's hard for me to say no because my father has helped me so much," Muhibi said, speaking flawless English while chatting with fellow students on campus. "But I refuse to be submissive."
Certain family obligations cannot be refused, he said. He pointed out that his son and a nephew are married to sisters of Muhibi's betrothed cousin.
clipped from: www.latimes.com 