Child marriage is a significant issue of importance that continues to cast a dark shadow over the lives of countless young children, especially girls in Pakistan. Child marriage in simple terms is marrying someone under the age of 18 which is stated by the law of Pakistan. Under 18 children are considered minors. Despite legislative measures and global efforts to eradicate this harmful practice, it persists as a stubborn social issue, robbing girls of their childhood, education, and opportunities for a better future. Referring to females, in particular, is because mainly women are subjected to this practice.
Around 18 percent of the girls in Pakistan are married as children even though the minimum age for getting married is 18. If we put this percentage into numbers it makes 1.9 million, which means one in six girls is married at an early age. This practice is not something that can be ignored very easily.
This practice is common but there are numerous factors behind this practice. Poverty is one of the leading drivers, as families struggling to make ends meet may see marrying off their daughters at a young age as a means to alleviate financial burdens. We have huge families in Pakistan and every member of the family is striving hard to work and support one another. At this time parents tend to marry their children at an early age. Child marriage in Pakistan stems from a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors. Gender inequality and patriarchal norms play a significant role, perpetuating the idea that girls are financial liabilities and their worth lies solely in their role as wives and mothers. Illiteracy and lack of access to education further contribute to the prevalence of child marriage, as limited educational opportunities restrict girls’ choices and prospects.
Even though marriage is a very sacred practice, the practice of early marriage has also led to an increase in the divorce rate because most of the time these marriages are without consent and forced on children which makes it difficult to survive. The pressure of having children right after the marriage further makes the situation more worst because then parents are sometimes forced to live with one another for the sake of their child and if they do not live together, this is the worst nightmare for their children who suffer the most.
Pakistan has taken steps to combat child marriage by enacting legislation to set a legal age for marriage. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, of 1929, stipulates that the minimum age of marriage is 18 for males and females. In 2015, Punjab amended the Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 1971 and passed the Punjab Marriage Restraint Act 2015. However, the effectiveness of these laws remains hindered by challenges in implementation, particularly in remote rural areas where traditional customs hold sway. Poverty, social pressure, and lack of awareness contribute to the persistence of child marriage, often overshadowing legal protections.
Other than these legislations, government and non-governmental organizations are working very hard to abolish this practice from the country. Recently, according to the reports, Pakistan has been working very hard in putting an end to this practice. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCF) in their report acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in this regard. The report also stated that Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were ranked first, second, and third respectively in South Asian countries in controlling and reducing the number of child marriages.
Pakistan has stepped up for this issue and is trying to make sure that this practice should end. The rate of child marriage in Pakistan is slightly less compared to the world average of 19%, especially in comparison with India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan, which lag far behind. These countries might be ahead of Pakistan when it comes to the economy but on the social front, they lag behind Pakistan in establishing a good and secure society.
Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage among the South Asian countries at 51% while the lowest is in Maldives at 2%. The rate of child marriage in India is 34%which means that one in three girls is married at an early age.
“Girls who marry in childhood face immediate and lifelong consequences. They are less likely to remain in school, and face an increased risk of early pregnancy, in turn increasing the risk of child and maternal health complications and mortality,” a UNICEF news statement read.
Despite this progress child marriage remains a deeply entrenched issue in Pakistan, perpetuating gender inequality and denying young girls their fundamental rights. It is a battle that requires comprehensive efforts from all sectors of society, including government, civil society, and individuals. Only through sustained education, empowerment, and legal enforcement can we hope to eliminate this harmful practice.