Play in Saidu Sharif puts spotlight on child marriage

MINGORA: A play organised at a workshop in Saidu Sharif, Swat on Saturday put a spotlight on gender violence caused by child marriages.

A large number of girls participated in the play in the hope of drawing attention to the adverse impact of a practice that leaves girls in a vulnerable position.

The play was held at the auditorium of Khpal Kor Model School. A large number of students, teachers and women across Swat participated in the workshop. Wagma Feroze, an activist who led the initiative, told The Express Tribune the short play was prepared to build awareness about the injustices faced by girls in child marriage.

“[Child marriages] are the most devastating [form of] negligence inflicted by parents and elders on girls,” she said. “The practice results in significant problems for them.” According to Feroze, it is difficult for an underage girl to carry out household tasks and responsibility.

Finding resonance

The play struck a chord and a large number of participants could relate to its sensitive portrayal of the issue.

Shazia Khan, a resident of Swat who was present on the occasion, told The Express Tribune such initiatives will set the ball rolling for a wider discourse on child marriage. “I was married when I was 10,” she said. “Unfortunately, my husband died of cancer when I was 18.”

She regrets getting married at an early age. “What is more, I even had to give up on my education because of my marriage,” she said. “I now teach at a private school and earn Rs5,000 every month. I am facing financial problems. But I am optimistic. Things will get better as I am trying to ensure all three of my children get an education.”

Shakeela, another participant at the workshop, said her marriage at the age of 10 created a network of problems for her later in life.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2016.