Aurat March and the Plight of Monsoon Brides
Every year on March 8th, the Aurat March takes place in cities across Pakistan. Whether or not one agrees with its ideals, the march has emerged as an event that urges the country to address the injustices encountered by women across the country. The Aurat March raises voices that are often silenced. Women’s voices calling for equality, justice, and the freedom to live without fear. Although some regard it as an assault on cultural values or a foreign agenda, others see it as a space for advocacy and transformation. Nonetheless, the march persists in highlighting gender-based violence and discrimination; prompting uncomfortable discussions about our social norms and institutional shortcomings.
A topic that often goes underexplored but warrants further focus is the occurrence of Monsoon Brides; a phrase that describes the prevalent tradition of early and arranged marriages in rural Pakistan, especially during the monsoon months.
Rooted in tradition, this practice brings forth considerable legal and ethical issues. The concept of Monsoon Brides stems from the belief that the rainy season is an auspicious time for marriage, leading many families to arrange weddings in bulk during this period. While some may see this as a harmless cultural tradition, it frequently serves as a cover for child marriages, where young girls are married off before they are physically or emotionally ready. These marriages, often arranged without the girls’ consent, perpetuate cycles of oppression, depriving them of education, economic independence, and autonomy over their lives.
Confronted with severe poverty, her parents orchestrated her marriage for financial gain, thinking it would ensure her future stability. By 15, she had given birth to her first child and soon realized the harsh reality that comes with early marriage; economic struggles, lack of education, and the burden of raising children while still being a child herself. Now an adult, Samina works to support her family but remains trapped in the cycle of poverty that forced her into marriage in the first place, reflecting how climate-induced disasters push vulnerable families into desperate measures like child marriage.
This issue has worsened in recent years, particularly after the 2022 floods, with nearly 50 young girls in Sindh reportedly married off due to financial desperation. The term ‘monsoon brides’ has been coined for these child brides, some as young as 10 to 12 years old, who are often married in exchange for money to help their struggling families survive. The practice prevails in rural Pakistan, where daughters are seen as financial burdens and marriage is viewed as a way to transfer responsibility. Many families believe that marrying off their daughters early secures their future and protects their honour. However, behind these justifications lies a harsh reality: young girls being forced into marriages with significantly older men, stripped of their right to shape their own futures.
Pakistan’s legal system offers certain safeguards against child marriage, but the implementation is still inadequate. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, enforced in most parts of the country, establishes the minimum age for marriage as 16 for girls and 18 for boys, creating a legal inconsistency that reinforces gender inequality.
In contrast, Sindh has taken a more progressive approach with the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013, establishing the minimum age for both sexes at 18. Even with these legal measures in place, child marriages continue because of weak enforcement, cultural opposition, and religious rationalizations. As reported by UNICEF, 21% of girls in Pakistan are wed before turning 18, and numerous cases remain unreported. A report from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in 2021 pointed out that legal actions against child marriages are infrequent, as local officials frequently do not intervene due to social influences and insufficient institutional backing.
A fundamental challenge in addressing Monsoon Brides is the conflict between legal provisions and deeply ingrained cultural norms. Laws alone cannot bring about meaningful change unless accompanied by broader societal transformation. In many regions, families justify child marriages as a means of safeguarding their daughters’ morality and ensuring they remain under male guardianship. Religious interpretations are frequently manipulated to defend the practice, complicating legal intervention. Additionally, many young girls are unaware of their rights and lack the resources to resist forced marriages. Those who attempt to challenge their families often face severe repercussions, including ostracization, abuse, or even honour-based violence.
Tackling the problem of Monsoon Brides calls for a comprehensive strategy that integrates legal changes, community involvement, and economic empowerment for women. Initially, the minimum age for marriage ought to be set uniformly at 18 for both sexes in every province, removing current legal inconsistencies. Legal gaps enabling child marriages via parental or religious approval need to be eliminated. Enhancing enforcement measures is equally crucial; local officials must be educated to identify and avert child marriages, and individuals involved in enabling these unions, such as religious leaders and relatives, should encounter severe legal repercussions. Amnesty International and UN Women’s reports highlight the necessity of establishing rigorous monitoring systems to oversee child marriage incidents and guarantee prompt interventions.
Medical studies indicate that young brides are much more prone to face complications in pregnancy, resulting in elevated rates of maternal and infant deaths. Religious leaders and community scholars can significantly contribute to correcting misunderstandings and promoting the rights of girls. Moreover, economic incentives like scholarships, financial assistance, and vocational training ought to be implemented to motivate families to retain their daughters in school, addressing the financial reasons for early marriages.
Equally crucial is assisting survivors of child marriage. Numerous girls caught in these unions cannot get away. Creating secure shelters, legal assistance programs, and mental health services for victims can offer them the essential resources to restore their lives. Improving education accessibility is another crucial measure in disrupting the cycle of child marriage. When girls gain an education, they tend to postpone marriage, seek careers, and make significant contributions to their communities.
Monsoon Brides is more than a legal matter; it represents a human rights emergency that requires immediate action. For Pakistan to advance toward a future where young girls aren’t married before they are prepared, it needs to commit to more robust laws, efficient enforcement, and a cultural shift that values the rights and welfare of women and girls above antiquated customs.
Until that time, the sounds of the Aurat March will persist in calling for the justice that countless women are still being denied.