Early and forced marriage is deeply rooted in sociocultural norms and is exacerbated by poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality.
Early and forced marriages are pervasive in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, according to a report from Save the Children. The practice has devastating consequences for girls and boys, who are denied the opportunity to decide their own future.
Citing data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018, the report said approximately 21% of girls in the South Asian country are married before the age of 18, with higher prevalence rates observed in rural areas and among poorer households. The report, Baseline Assessment: Grassroots Action to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage, said the practice is deeply rooted in sociocultural norms and is exacerbated by poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality.
Save the Children Pakistan, together with government and nongovernmental partners, is now deploying grassroots action to end child, early and forced marriage—an issue also prevalent in Southeast Asia. The initiative entails capacity building, policy advocacy, and engaging youth, children, and civil society to change mindsets about the practice.
