Pakistan home to 19m child brides, says report

Experts highlight stark challenges faced by girls

LAHORE:

Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides and ranks 6th globally in early child marriages, the participants of a seminar organised to mark the International Day of the Girl were informed on Friday.

The speakers said the girls in Pakistan face stark challenges in their education, health, nutrition and well-being. Estimates of the number of out-of-school children in the country range from 20.3 to 22.1 million, out of which 12 million are girls.

In addition, more than half of adolescent girls, 54% become pregnant before their 18th birthday, which can be life-threatening for the mother and the child. Almost 55% of adolescent girls are anaemic.

A large number of women, including domestic workers, students and girls attended the seminar organised by the Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE).

Addressing the event, WISE Executive Director Bushra Khaliq said girls are often subject to societal pressure to conform to certain ideals of beauty, behaviour and domesticity. These ideals may promote passivity and discourage girls from asserting their independence or pursuing ambitious careers. In many parts of Pakistan, girls face restrictions on their mobility.

They may be discouraged or outright forbidden from participating in outdoor activities, sports, or social gatherings that are seen as inappropriate for women. This limits their opportunities for personal growth and social development.

She said girls have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, not only during their formative years, but also as they mature into women.

If effectively supported and educated, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow's workers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, political leaders and mothers.

Nabila Bhatti, Member Working Group at National Commission on the Rights of Child said that despite legal prohibitions, child marriage is still common, especially in rural areas.

Quoting UNICEF figures, she said Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides and ranks 6th globally in child marriages.