Rise In Child Marriages In Flood-Affected Areas: Study

APP

Lahore: Startling data revealed an increase in child marriages in flood-affected areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these regions. Therefore, the fight against child marriages demands collective efforts and unwavering commitment, stated expert.

Women Development Department (WDD) Secretary Sumaira Samad emphasised the importance of implementing the Child Marriage Act uniformly across Punjab, irrespective of religious affiliations.

The Punjab Women Development Department (WDD) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan decided to collaborate on a crucial awareness campaign to combat child marriages in Punjab, coinciding with the ‘16 Days of Activism’.

A UNICEF team, led by Specialist Child Protection Communication and SBC (social and behaviour change) Adeel Jafferi, held a meeting with Sumaira Samad on Monday.

During the meeting, it was noted that the Christian Marriage Act does not specify a minimum age for marriage, highlighting the need for legal amendments.

Secretary stressed the significance of interdepartmental coordination involving agencies such as the local government department, police, women ombudspersons, and others to effectively address the issue of child marriages.

Samad mentioned that numerous collaborative sessions have been conducted with the local government department to address child marriages, Nikah registration, polygamy, and related matters in Punjab.

We are committed to working closely with UNICEF and other stakeholders to protect the rights and well-being of our children, Sumaira added.

It is to mention that the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The campaign is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.