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.”

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.

A recent report from Al-Jazeera focused on Samina, a girl from Khan Mohammad Mallah, Sindh, who was wed at 13 after the 2010 floods destroyed her family’s house and means of living. 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.”

21%

of girls in Pakistan married before 18 (UNICEF)

50+

child marriages after 2022 floods in Sindh

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.

The Legal-Local Divide

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.

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.

Pathways to Change

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.

Changing societal perspectives is essential to achieve any form of progress. Community-driven programs must be established to inform families about the negative impacts of child marriage, highlighting its harmful effects on health, education, and financial stability.

“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.