CHILD MARRIAGES

Causes of Child and Forced Marriages in Pakistan

Child and forced marriages are significant issues in Pakistan, deeply rooted in the country's
socio-economic, cultural, and legal framework. The following are some of the primary causes of
these practices:

1. Poverty and Economic Factors

 Financial Burden: Families living in poverty often see child marriage as a way to
alleviate their economic burden. Marrying off daughters early means fewer mouths to
feed and potentially receiving a dowry or bride price, which can provide immediate
financial relief.
 Dowry System: The practice of dowry, where the bride’s family must provide gifts,
money, or property to the groom’s family, can incentivize families to marry off daughters
early to avoid escalating dowry demands as the girl gets older.

2. Cultural and Traditional Norms

 Customary Practices: Many communities in Pakistan uphold traditional practices such

as “watta satta” (exchange marriage) and “vani” or “swara” (marrying off young girls to
settle disputes). These practices perpetuate the cycle of child marriages.
 Patriarchal Society: The deep-rooted patriarchal norms and values view women and
girls primarily in terms of their roles as wives and mothers, leading to early marriages as
a way to ensure control over their sexuality and reproductive capacities.

3. Lack of Education and Awareness

 Educational Barriers: Limited access to education, especially for girls, results in a lack
of awareness about the negative consequences of early marriage. Education often
provides girls with opportunities and the ability to make informed choices, reducing the
likelihood of child marriage.
 Awareness Campaigns: Insufficient awareness campaigns and inadequate reach of
existing programs mean that many communities remain uninformed about the legal and
health implications of child and forced marriages.

4. Legal and Policy Gaps

 Weak Enforcement: While laws such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act exist,
enforcement is weak. Corruption, lack of political will, and inadequate resources for
monitoring and implementation mean that violators often go unpunished.
  Legal Loopholes: Inconsistencies in the legal age for marriage across different laws and
regions create loopholes. For instance, Islamic law (Sharia) often takes precedence over
statutory laws, allowing marriages once a girl reaches puberty.

5. Religious Interpretations

 Religious Misinterpretations: Some religious leaders and communities interpret Islamic

teachings to justify child marriage, believing it aligns with religious principles. These
interpretations can strongly influence community norms and practices.
 Influence of Clerics: In many rural and conservative areas, religious clerics hold
significant sway over community decisions. Their endorsement of child marriage
practices further entrenches these traditions.

6. Social Pressures and Gender Inequality

 Social Security: Families often marry off girls early as a means of providing them with
social security, believing that marriage offers protection and stability that they cannot
provide.
 Honor and Reputation: Concerns about family honor and the control of female
sexuality drive families to marry off their daughters at a young age to prevent premarital
relationships, which are seen as dishonorable.

7. Conflict and Displacement

 Refugee and IDP Situations: In areas affected by conflict or natural disasters, such as
internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, child marriage rates tend to increase. Families
resort to marrying off daughters as a coping mechanism in times of instability and
economic hardship.

Implications and Recommendations

Implications:

 Health Risks: Child brides face significant health risks, including complications from
early pregnancies, higher maternal and infant mortality rates, and exposure to domestic
violence.
 Education Loss: Early marriage often leads to the discontinuation of education, limiting
girls' future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality.
 Psychological Impact: Child brides are at a higher risk of experiencing psychological
trauma, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensure the enforcement of existing laws against

child marriage and harmonize legal provisions across different regions and religious
interpretations.
 2. Education and Awareness Programs: Implement comprehensive education programs
that promote the importance of girls’ education and raise awareness about the
consequences of child marriage.
3. Community Engagement: Work with local leaders, including religious and community
leaders, to change perceptions and cultural norms that support child marriage.
4. Economic Support: Provide economic incentives and social protection programs to
families to alleviate poverty and reduce the economic pressures that drive child marriage.
5. Health Services: Enhance access to health services for young girls, including
reproductive health education and maternal care, to mitigate the health risks associated
with early marriage.
6. International Collaboration: Collaborate with international organizations and NGOs to
support initiatives aimed at ending child marriage and empowering girls.

Addressing the root causes of child and forced marriages in Pakistan requires a multifaceted
approach that combines legal reform, education, economic support, and community engagement.
Only through coordinated efforts can the cycle of child and forced marriages be broken, ensuring
a better future for girls and women in Pakistan.

Statistics on Child and Forced Marriages in Pakistan

1. Prevalence Rates
o According to UNICEF, around 21% of girls in Pakistan are married before the age
of 18, and 3% are married before the age of 15.
o The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18 indicates that
18% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18.
2. Regional Variations
o Child marriage rates vary significantly across different regions. Rural areas tend
to have higher rates compared to urban areas.
o In provinces like Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, child marriage rates are
notably higher due to entrenched cultural practices.
3. Educational Impact
o The PDHS 2017-18 reports that women with no education are significantly more
likely to be married before 18 than those with secondary or higher education.
o Early marriage drastically reduces the likelihood of continuing education,
perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.
4. Health Consequences
o Early pregnancies resulting from child marriages pose severe health risks.
Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region, with early
pregnancies contributing to complications.
o Adolescent girls are at higher risk of obstetric complications and infant mortality.
UNICEF highlights that girls under 15 are five times more likely to die during
childbirth than women in their twenties.
5. Legislation and Enforcement
o Despite the presence of laws like the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 and the
Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013, enforcement is lax.
 o The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2015 also aims to curb
child marriages, but cultural resistance and lack of awareness hinder its
effectiveness

Implications of Early Marriages

Early marriages, defined as unions where at least one partner is below the age of 18, have far-
reaching implications across various dimensions of life, including social, health, economic, and
infant health aspects. These implications are particularly severe in countries like Pakistan, where
early marriage remains prevalent due to socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors. This detailed
note explores the consequences of early marriages across these dimensions, supported by
relevant statistics.

1. Social Implications

1.1. Education Disruption:

 Early marriage often leads to the discontinuation of education, especially for girls.
According to UNICEF, girls who marry before 18 are less likely to complete their
secondary education. In Pakistan, only 13% of married girls aged 15-19 are in school,
compared to 32% of their unmarried peers.

1.2. Social Isolation:

 Child brides frequently face social isolation due to restricted mobility and limited social
interactions outside their marital home. This isolation can hinder their personal
development and ability to build support networks.

1.3. Perpetuation of Gender Inequality:

 Early marriage reinforces patriarchal norms and gender inequality. It confines girls to
traditional roles, limiting their opportunities for empowerment and perpetuating a cycle
of disadvantage and dependency.

1.4. Increased Domestic Violence:

 Studies show that girls married early are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic
violence. A report by Human Rights Watch indicates that child brides in Pakistan are
more likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse.

2. Health Implications

2.1. Maternal Health Risks:

  Early pregnancies pose significant health risks for young mothers. Adolescent girls are at
a higher risk of complications such as obstructed labor, pre-eclampsia, and postpartum
hemorrhage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complications during
pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15-19-year-old girls globally .

2.2. Mental Health Issues:

 Child brides often experience mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The pressures of marital responsibilities and early
motherhood can exacerbate these conditions.

2.3. Limited Access to Reproductive Health Services:

 Early marriage often restricts girls' access to reproductive health services and
information, leading to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
unplanned pregnancies.

3. Economic Implications

3.1. Loss of Economic Opportunities:

 Girls who marry early often drop out of school, limiting their future employment
opportunities and earning potential. This economic dependency can perpetuate the cycle
of poverty.

3.2. Increased Economic Burden:

 Early marriage can place an economic burden on families and society. Child brides are
more likely to have larger families, increasing the financial strain on households.
Additionally, the healthcare costs associated with complications from early pregnancies
and childbirth can be substantial.

3.3. Impact on National Economy:

 The loss of human capital due to early marriage affects national economic growth.
According to a study by the World Bank, ending child marriage could generate billions of
dollars in savings and benefits annually for developing countries .

4. Infant Health Implications

4.1. Higher Infant Mortality Rates:

 Infants born to adolescent mothers face higher mortality rates. In Pakistan, the infant
mortality rate for babies born to mothers under 20 is significantly higher than for those
born to older mothers .
4.2. Low Birth Weight and Prematurity:

 Babies born to young mothers are at greater risk of being underweight and premature.
These conditions can lead to long-term health issues and developmental delays.

4.3. Malnutrition and Health Complications:

 Young mothers often lack the knowledge and resources to provide adequate nutrition and
healthcare for their children. This can result in malnutrition, stunted growth, and
increased susceptibility to diseases.

Implications of Early Marriages

Early marriages, often defined as marriages where one or both parties are below the age of 18,
have far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and societies. These implications can be
broadly categorized into health, educational, economic, social, and psychological impacts.

1. Health Implications

 Maternal and Child Health Risks: Early pregnancies carry significant health risks for
young brides. These include a higher likelihood of complications during pregnancy and
childbirth, such as obstructed labor, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. Young mothers
are also more prone to experiencing maternal mortality.
 Infant Health: Babies born to young mothers are at greater risk of low birth weight,
neonatal mortality, and long-term health problems. The lack of adequate prenatal care
often exacerbates these risks.
 Sexual and Reproductive Health: Child brides are often unprepared for sexual activity
and lack knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. They are more susceptible to
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and may suffer from early onset of
sexual activity-related health issues.

2. Educational Implications

 Disruption of Education: Early marriage often results in the discontinuation of

education for young girls. Married girls are less likely to complete their schooling,
limiting their future opportunities for personal and professional development.
 Limited Learning Opportunities: Without education, child brides lack access to vital
knowledge and skills that could improve their life circumstances, perpetuating cycles of
poverty and gender inequality.

3. Economic Implications

 Economic Dependency: Early marriage curtails girls’ potential to engage in gainful

employment, making them economically dependent on their husbands or in-laws. This
dependency can limit their ability to make decisions about their lives and welfare.
  Intergenerational Poverty: The lack of education and economic opportunities for child
brides often leads to intergenerational poverty. Children born to young mothers are more
likely to grow up in impoverished conditions, continuing the cycle of poverty.

4. Social Implications

 Social Isolation: Child brides often face social isolation, as they are removed from their
peer groups and familiar environments. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness
and disconnection from their communities.
 Gender Inequality: Early marriage reinforces gender inequality by perpetuating
traditional gender roles that limit girls' opportunities and autonomy. It entrenches the
notion that girls are primarily valued for their roles as wives and mothers rather than as
individuals with their own rights and potential.

5. Psychological Implications

 Mental Health Issues: Child brides are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health
issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The
pressures of early marriage and motherhood, combined with potential abuse and
isolation, contribute to these problems.
 Loss of Autonomy: Early marriage often means a loss of autonomy and agency for
young girls. They may have little say in decisions affecting their lives, from reproductive
choices to participation in community activities.

6. Impact on Society

 Human Rights Violations: Early marriage is a violation of human rights, as it deprives

girls of their right to education, health, and a life free from violence and coercion. It
undermines efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
 Economic Development: Societies with high rates of early marriage tend to experience
slower economic development. The lost potential of girls who could have contributed to
the workforce and the economy results in a less productive and more impoverished
society.
 Public Health Burden: The health complications associated with early pregnancies and
maternal and infant health issues create a significant public health burden. Healthcare
systems in regions with high rates of early marriage often struggle to cope with these
challenges.

Recommendations for Addressing Early Marriage

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enforce existing laws against child marriage and
introduce new legislation where necessary. Ensure that legal age requirements for
marriage are consistent across all jurisdictions and religious laws.
2. Educational Programs: Promote access to education for girls, including secondary and
higher education. Implement programs that keep girls in school and provide them with
life skills and vocational training.
 3. Community Engagement: Work with community leaders, including religious and
traditional leaders, to change cultural norms and attitudes towards early marriage.
Conduct awareness campaigns to highlight the negative consequences of child marriage.
4. Economic Support: Provide financial incentives and support to families to reduce the
economic pressures that drive child marriage. This can include cash transfers,
scholarships, and income-generating activities.
5. Health Services: Improve access to healthcare services for young girls, including
reproductive health education and maternal care. Provide support for adolescent mothers
to ensure their health and well-being.
6. Support Services: Establish support networks and services for child brides, including
counseling, legal aid, and social services. Create safe spaces where girls can seek help
and support.

INITIATIVES TAKEN IN
PAKISTAN TO COUNTER
CHILD MARRIAGES
Pakistan has taken various steps to combat the practice of child marriages, recognizing the
adverse effects on health, education, and overall well-being of young girls. These initiatives span
legal reforms, policy measures, community engagement, and partnerships with international
organizations.

1. Legal Reforms and Legislation

 Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929): This is one of the earliest laws aimed at
preventing child marriages, setting the minimum age for marriage at 16 for girls and 18
for boys. However, the effectiveness of this law has been limited due to weak
enforcement and cultural resistance.
 Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act (2013): Sindh became the first province in
Pakistan to pass a law raising the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18. The act
imposes stricter penalties for those who facilitate or perform child marriages.
 Punjab Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act (2015): Punjab introduced amendments
to the Child Marriage Restraint Act, increasing penalties for those involved in child
marriages and mandating stricter enforcement of age verification.
2. Policy Measures

 National Plan of Action to End Child Marriages (2016): This plan was developed to
provide a comprehensive framework for addressing child marriages. It includes strategies
for legal reform, education, health, and community engagement.
 Child Protection Policies: Various provinces have developed child protection policies
that address child marriage as part of broader efforts to protect children's rights. These
policies often include measures to improve education and health services for children.

3. Educational Programs and Awareness Campaigns

 Girls’ Education Programs: Initiatives aimed at increasing girls' enrollment and

retention in schools have been launched, recognizing that education is a key factor in
preventing child marriages. Programs like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)
provide conditional cash transfers to families to encourage them to keep their daughters
in school.
 Awareness Campaigns: Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have
conducted numerous awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative
impacts of child marriage. These campaigns often involve media outreach, community
meetings, and partnerships with religious and community leaders.

4. Community Engagement

 Engaging Religious Leaders: Religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping

community attitudes. Programs like the "Child Marriage-Free Communities" initiative
involve religious leaders in promoting the message that child marriage is harmful and
contrary to the teachings of Islam.
 Local Committees and Advocacy Groups: Grassroots organizations and community-
based committees work to monitor and prevent child marriages. They provide support to
families and advocate for the rights of children at the local level.

5. Health Services and Support

 Reproductive Health Education: Programs aimed at improving reproductive health

education for adolescents help raise awareness about the health risks associated with
early marriage and pregnancy. These programs are often integrated into school curricula
and community health initiatives.
 Support Services for Child Brides: Initiatives providing support to child brides,
including access to healthcare, counseling, and legal aid, have been established. These
services help mitigate some of the negative impacts of child marriage and support girls in
making healthier life choices.

6. International Partnerships and Collaboration

 UN and International NGOs: Pakistan collaborates with various United Nations

agencies, such as UNICEF and UNFPA, as well as international NGOs to combat child
 marriage. These partnerships often involve funding, technical assistance, and
implementation of programs aimed at ending child marriage.
 Global Initiatives: Pakistan participates in global initiatives like the South Asia Initiative
to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC), which works to address child marriage
through regional cooperation and shared strategies.

Examples of Specific Programs and Projects

1. We Inspire (Women’s Empowerment Initiative): This project, funded by the European

Union and implemented by local NGOs, focuses on empowering women and girls
through education, vocational training, and awareness-raising activities to prevent child
marriages.
2. Girls Not Brides: This global partnership includes Pakistani organizations working to
end child marriage. The network facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders,
including NGOs, government agencies, and community groups, to implement effective
strategies to combat child marriage.
3. Strengthening Child Protection Systems: UNICEF Pakistan has been working with the
government to strengthen child protection systems. This includes establishing child
protection units, training social workers, and creating reporting mechanisms for cases of
child marriage.

THE WAY FORWARD

Addressing the issue of child marriages in Pakistan requires comprehensive policy measures that
target the root causes, provide preventive strategies, and offer support to those affected. These
measures should encompass legal reforms, educational initiatives, economic incentives,
community engagement, and health services. Below are detailed policy recommendations:

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks

1. Uniform Marriage Laws:

o Raise the Minimum Age: Establish a uniform legal minimum age for marriage
across all provinces at 18 for both girls and boys. Ensure this standard is
integrated into all legal systems, including religious laws.
o Harmonize Laws: Ensure that statutory laws take precedence over customary
and religious laws where contradictions exist. Harmonize provincial and federal
laws to create a cohesive legal framework against child marriage.
2. Enforcement Mechanisms:
o Training for Law Enforcement: Provide specialized training for police,
judiciary, and local government officials on the legal aspects of child marriage
and the importance of enforcing these laws.
 o Strengthen Penalties: Increase penalties for those who facilitate, arrange, or
perform child marriages, including fines and imprisonment. Ensure these
penalties are consistently applied.
3. Legal Support Services:
o Access to Legal Aid: Establish and expand legal aid services to support girls and
families who seek to prevent or annul child marriages. Ensure these services are
accessible in rural and remote areas.

2. Educational Initiatives

1. Access to Quality Education:

o Universal Primary and Secondary Education: Implement policies that
guarantee free and compulsory primary and secondary education for all children,
especially girls. Address barriers such as school fees, transportation, and safety.
o Scholarship Programs: Create scholarship programs for girls to encourage
continued education and reduce the financial burden on families.
2. Curriculum and Awareness:
o Incorporate Life Skills Education: Integrate life skills and comprehensive
sexuality education into school curricula to empower girls with knowledge about
their rights, health, and options.
o Community Awareness Campaigns: Launch community-based awareness
campaigns highlighting the benefits of education and the negative impacts of
child marriage. Use media, local leaders, and educational programs to spread the
message.

3. Economic Incentives and Support

1. Financial Support for Families:

o Conditional Cash Transfers: Implement conditional cash transfer programs that
provide financial incentives to families for keeping their daughters in school and
delaying marriage.
o Microfinance Programs: Develop microfinance and livelihood programs
targeted at women and families to reduce economic pressures that drive child
marriages.
2. Vocational Training:
o Skills Development Programs: Provide vocational training and skills
development programs for adolescent girls to enhance their economic
opportunities and independence.

4. Health Services and Support Systems

1. Reproductive Health Services:

o Access to Healthcare: Ensure that adolescent girls have access to comprehensive
reproductive health services, including family planning, prenatal, and maternal
health care.
 o Health Education: Integrate reproductive health education into school and
community programs to inform girls about the risks associated with early
pregnancy and childbirth.
2. Support Services:
o Counseling and Psychological Support: Provide counseling services for girls at
risk of or affected by child marriage. Establish safe spaces where girls can seek
help and support.
o Shelter and Protection: Develop shelters and protection services for girls fleeing
child marriages, ensuring their safety and well-being.

5. Community Engagement and Cultural Change

1. Engaging Community Leaders:

o Religious and Traditional Leaders: Work with religious and traditional leaders
to reinterpret cultural and religious practices in ways that discourage child
marriage. Encourage leaders to advocate for girls’ education and rights.
o Community Dialogues: Facilitate community dialogues and workshops to
discuss the impacts of child marriage and build consensus on the need for change.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns:
o Media Campaigns: Utilize media platforms, including radio, television, and
social media, to raise awareness about the negative consequences of child
marriage and promote positive role models.
o Grassroots Movements: Support grassroots movements and community-based
organizations that advocate for ending child marriage and promote gender
equality.

6. Data Collection and Research

1. Monitoring and Evaluation:

o Data Collection Systems: Develop robust data collection systems to track the
prevalence of child marriage, monitor interventions, and assess their
effectiveness.
o Regular Surveys: Conduct regular surveys and research to understand the drivers
of child marriage and the impact of various interventions. Use this data to inform
policy and program design.
2. Impact Assessment:
o Evaluate Programs: Establish mechanisms for the regular evaluation of
programs aimed at preventing child marriage. Use evidence-based approaches to
refine and improve strategies.

7. International Collaboration and Partnerships

1. Global Initiatives:
o Join International Efforts: Actively participate in global initiatives and
networks dedicated to ending child marriage, such as the South Asia Initiative to
End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC).
 o Technical and Financial Support: Seek technical and financial support from
international organizations and donors to implement and sustain anti-child
marriage programs.
2. Best Practices Exchange:
o Learn from Other Countries: Engage in knowledge-sharing and exchange of
best practices with countries that have successfully reduced child marriage rates.
Adapt successful models to the local context in Pakistan.

EXEMPLAR INITIATIVES
TAKEN AROUND THE
WORLD
1. Ethiopia: Community-Based Interventions

 Berhane Hewan Program:

o Description: The Berhane Hewan program, initiated by the Population Council
and the Ethiopian government, is one of the first rigorously evaluated programs
aimed at reducing child marriage in rural Ethiopia.
o Components: The program includes community conversations, economic
incentives, school supplies, and mentorship for girls. It also involves engaging
religious and community leaders to change social norms.
o Impact: The program has significantly delayed marriage and increased school
enrollment among girls.

2. India: Legal Reforms and Educational Incentives

 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006):

o Description: This act criminalizes child marriage and sets the minimum age for
marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
o Enforcement Mechanisms: The law includes provisions for the annulment of
child marriages and punishment for those facilitating such marriages. It also
appoints Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to enforce the law.
 Apni Beti Apna Dhan Program:
o Description: Launched in Haryana, this conditional cash transfer program aims to
delay marriage by providing financial incentives to families for keeping their
daughters unmarried until the age of 18.
o Impact: The program has been associated with delaying the age of marriage and
improving educational outcomes for girls.
3. Bangladesh: Multi-Sectoral Approach

 National Plan of Action to End Child Marriage (2018-2030):

o Description: This comprehensive plan includes legal reforms, education, health
services, social protection, and empowerment programs.
o Community Engagement: The plan emphasizes community engagement and
awareness campaigns to change social norms and attitudes towards child
marriage.
o Monitoring and Evaluation: It includes robust monitoring and evaluation
frameworks to assess progress and impact.
 BRAC’s Adolescent Development Program:
o Description: BRAC, a leading NGO, runs this program which provides life skills
training, sexual and reproductive health education, and leadership opportunities
for adolescents.
o Impact: The program has contributed to increased awareness about the negative
consequences of child marriage and has empowered girls to delay marriage and
pursue education.

4. Malawi: Legislative and Community Initiatives

 Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act (2015):

o Description: This act sets the legal age of marriage at 18 and nullifies marriages
involving individuals below this age.
o Community Dialogues: The law was accompanied by nationwide community
dialogues led by traditional leaders who played a crucial role in changing social
norms.
 Chiefs’ Initiative:
o Description: Traditional leaders, such as Senior Chief Kachindamoto, have
annulled child marriages and sent girls back to school. Chiefs have created bylaws
that prohibit child marriages in their communities.
o Impact: These grassroots efforts have significantly reduced child marriages in
areas under the jurisdiction of proactive chiefs.

5. Nepal: Comprehensive National Strategy

 National Strategy to End Child Marriage (2016-2030):

o Description: This strategy focuses on legal reforms, education, health services,
empowerment of girls, and community mobilization.
o Holistic Approach: It integrates efforts across various sectors, including
education, health, and social protection, to create an enabling environment for
girls.
 Empowering Adolescent Girls Project:
o Description: Implemented by UNFPA and the Government of Nepal, this project
aims to empower girls through education, life skills training, and health services.
o Community Mobilization: The project also involves community mobilization
and engages boys and men in promoting gender equality.
6. Zimbabwe: Legal Reforms and Educational Programs

 Constitutional Court Ruling (2016):

o Description: The Constitutional Court declared child marriage unconstitutional
and set the legal age of marriage at 18.
o Legislative Follow-Up: This ruling led to the amendment of marriage laws to
align with the constitutional mandate.
 Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED):
o Description: CAMFED runs educational programs that provide scholarships,
school supplies, and support networks for girls at risk of child marriage.
o Impact: The program has helped thousands of girls stay in school and avoid early
marriage.

7. Niger: Community-Based Programs and Legal Advocacy

 “Safe Spaces” Programs:

o Description: These programs create safe spaces for girls to receive education, life
skills training, and health services.
o Engagement of Religious Leaders: The programs engage religious leaders to
advocate for delaying marriage and promoting girls' education.
 National Campaign to End Child Marriage:
o Description: The government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners,
launched a national campaign to raise awareness and advocate for legal reforms.
o Community Dialogues: The campaign includes community dialogues and media
campaigns to change social norms and behaviors.

Conclusion

The initiatives highlighted above demonstrate that a multifaceted approach involving legal
reforms, educational incentives, community engagement, and support services can be effective in
addressing child marriages. Each country's context is unique, and successful strategies often
involve adapting these global best practices to local cultural, social, and economic conditions. By
learning from these examples, Pakistan and other countries can develop and implement effective
policies to combat child marriage and ensure a better future for their young populations.