Can 'experimental marriage' decrease divorce rate in Egypt?
An Egyptian lawyer proposed an initiative for couples in Egypt to sign a contract with a set of rules to avoid quarrels that lead to divorce.
While on the verge of breaking up with her fiance, Rawda Hassan heard about a new initiative called “experimental marriage.” She thought this initiative could give a kiss of life to her relationship.
“I’ve been engaged for two years and I’m still not sure if I’m ready for marriage. We always quarrel about many issues; that’s why I’m always afraid. But after my friend told me about the initiative, I guess I’ll think about it,” Hassan, 26, told Al-Monitor.
The initiative, titled “Experimental Marriage,” was launched by Egyptian lawyer Ahmed Mahran to help couples avoid early divorce. Yet it has caused an uproar in Egypt.
The initiative consists of adding to the ordinary marriage certificate a civil agreement contract with articles written and agreed on by the couple. It gives them the right to end the marriage when any of them break the conditions listed in their contract. The one who breaks the rules pays all the financial rights for the other.
