The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has started a campaign in Pakistan against child marriages. Famous actress and UNICEF’s national ambassador for children’s rights, Saba Qamar, is playing an important role in this campaign.
The purpose of this video campaign is to show the harmful effects of child marriages in society and to stress the need for joint efforts to end this practice.
In her video message, Saba Qamar said why should any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage or future that they do not choose? With serious concerns about health and education rights, we should not ignore these issues.
She said that last year she saw the effects of child marriages with her own eyes in Sajawal, a city in Sindh, and felt the positive impact of UNICEF’s work. There, she met a brave 14-year-old girl who stopped three marriages in her village and became an example for others.
She said she feels proud to be part of this campaign for all those girls whose voices are silenced behind closed doors.
Pakistan ranks sixth in the world for child marriages, where about 19 million girls have been married before turning 18.
Almost half of these girls become mothers before their 18th birthday, which is dangerous for both their health and their babies.
UNICEF Pakistan representative Abdullah Fazil said that child marriage is linked to poverty, but its roots are also deeply connected to gender discrimination and social expectations. He said there is an urgent need for laws, enforcement, and changes in cultural attitudes. How can Pakistan succeed if half of the team is not on the field?
Abdullah Fazil said Saba Qamar is a powerful voice for children. He said they are proud to work with her to highlight the challenges many children face and to create a future where every child, especially every girl, can learn, grow, and succeed.
This campaign is part of a bigger effort by UNICEF, along with other United Nations organizations like UNFPA, UN Women, and government partners.
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