Lahore : National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) with its development partners i.e., UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women held a consultation with provincial stakeholders, aiming to draw an effective way forward after impactful deliberations on ending child marriage in the country. Provincial stakeholders included Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, Social Welfare Department, The Punjab Child Protection Bureau, Punjab Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department, Health Department and Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department. A large number of participants from government departments, civil society organizations, NGOs, experts on mental and physical health, students and media persons attended the event.
In her opening remarks, Chairperson NCSW Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar said that NCSW realized the gravity of this social issue that deprived girls of their fundamental rights of choice, health and education. She said that considering the drastic impacts of child marriage, NCSW had constantly been engaged, under its mandate, to review the legislation related to child marriage and found the need of amendments and effective implantation approaches. She stressed that the girls who were already been married at a young age, should be provided the access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support along with rehabilitation and reintegration programs to rebuild their lives and pursue their aspiration. She added, “Let’s unite to end child marriage! Every child deserves a childhood filled with education, play, and dreams, not forced into marriage. Together, we can break the chains that deny them their rights and build a future where every child can flourish.”
The guest of honor Dr. Sara Ahmed chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab while sharing her thoughts said that the state institutions were trying to ensure that girls had access to information and resources to make informed decisions with community-led initiatives that promote the rights and well-being of girls and discourage harmful practices. She stated that Punjab was the first province to enact a child protection specific legislation in Pakistan, the Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act 2004. The legislation is to rescue; provide protective custody, care, and rehabilitation to destitute and neglected children in the province.
Chief Guest Ms. Khawar Mumtaz former chairperson NCSW stressed that the stake holders must think innovatively to change the strategies for handling child marriage issues in Pakistan. She said that child marriages prevention requires a multifaceted approach involving government policies, community engagement, education, and awareness campaigns.
Further, Sardar Mavarhan khan Additional Inspector General Punjab Police while addressing the program said that it was high time to handle the child marriage issue on human and social grounds instead of camouflaging it in the garb of religion and culture.
At this occasion, Secretary NCSW Khawaja Imran Raza said that women’s emancipation and their economic empowerment are vital for making Pakistan progress and prosper. Women’s education and their participation in every sector of life both private and public, is the need of the hour can put restraint to nemesis like child abuse and child marriages, he added.
In the workshop, participants were also briefed about its objectives and were given some facts and figures on the status of child marriage, its consequences, and drivers. An important theory of change on child marriage was also introduced that was followed by group work of participants on child marriage framework.