Understanding and Addressing Child Marriage in Pakistan

Child marriage, defined as a formal or informal relationship before the age of 18, is a global issue that disproportionately affects girls, denying them education, health, and freedom. Despite international efforts to combat this violation of fundamental human rights, child marriage persists, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing this issue effectively requires an understanding of its prevalence, drivers, and impacts, particularly in the context of countries like Pakistan.

Global and Regional Prevalence of Child Marriage

Globally, an estimated 12 million girls marry before the age of 18 each year, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. In these regions, deeply entrenched cultural norms and economic challenges perpetuate the practice. International initiatives, such as UNICEF and UNFPA’s Global Programme to End Child Marriage, have made strides, but real change hinges on localized efforts.

Child Marriage in Pakistan: A Persistent Challenge

In Pakistan, child marriage continues to impede gender equality, public health, and socio-economic development.

• Approximately 21% of girls marry before the age of 18, and a smaller yet significant percentage marry before 15.
• The practice is most prevalent in rural areas of Sindh and Balochistan, where poverty, lack of education, and cultural traditions play a major role.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Drivers

1. Poverty: Economic hardships lead families to marry off young daughters, often for dowries or financial relief.
2. Cultural Norms: Practices such as watta satta (exchange marriages) and concerns about family honor perpetuate early marriages.
3. Gender Inequality: Patriarchal norms prioritize boys’ education and opportunities over girls’.
4. Limited Education: Girls who drop out of school are at a significantly higher risk of becoming child brides.

Impacts of Child Marriage

The consequences of child marriage are far-reaching, affecting individuals, families, and society.

1. Health Risks: Child brides face increased risks of maternal mortality, obstetric complications, and neonatal health issues due to early pregnancies.
2. Education Disruption: Early marriages often force girls to leave school, limiting their future economic independence.
3. Psychological Burden: Social isolation and domestic abuse result in higher rates of depression and anxiety among child brides.
4. Economic Implications: Denying girls access to education and employment opportunities negatively impacts national economic growth.

Legal Framework and Challenges in Pakistan

The Child Marriage Restraint Act (CMRA) of 1929, amended in various provinces, sets the legal marriage age at 16 for girls and 18 for boys.

• In Sindh, progressive legislation sets the minimum age at 18 for both genders, but enforcement remains weak.
• Cultural resistance and inconsistent provincial laws undermine efforts to combat child marriage effectively.

Strategies to Address Child Marriage in Pakistan

A multi-faceted approach is essential to address the root causes and impacts of child marriage.

1. Strengthening Legal Enforcement

• Harmonize provincial laws and set a uniform marriage age across Pakistan.
• Close legal loopholes and impose strict penalties for violators.
• Implement community-based legal awareness programs to encourage reporting and compliance.

2. Promoting Girls’ Education

• Invest in quality education and vocational training for girls to delay marriage and enhance socio-economic prospects.
• Introduce conditional cash transfer programs to reduce school dropouts and incentivize education.

3. Cultural Transformation

• Engage religious leaders, community elders, and local influencers to challenge harmful practices and support cultural change.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to address misconceptions and promote the benefits of delayed marriages.

4. Support Systems for Girls

• Establish safe spaces, mentorship programs, and girls’ clubs to provide at-risk girls with resources and confidence.
• Collaborate with international organizations like Girls Not Brides and UNICEF to support localized interventions.

Conclusion

Child marriage in Pakistan is a deeply nuanced issue, rooted in cultural, economic, and social dynamics. Addressing this challenge requires a unified effort across education, law enforcement, and cultural transformation. By prioritizing girls’ education, enforcing robust legal frameworks, and reshaping societal norms, Pakistan can take significant strides toward ending child marriage.

This change will not only safeguard the rights and futures of young girls but also contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society for all.