A recent debate in Pakistan's senate culminated in the passing of a bill that bans child marriage, raising the minimum marriage age to 18 for both genders. Senator Naseema Ehsan emphasized the need for this reform by sharing her own experience of marrying at 13. The new law will replace outdated colonial legislation and impose strict penalties for those facilitating underage marriages. This landmark vote, backed by civil society and activists, represents a hopeful step toward nationwide reform against child marriage and protective rights for women.
"I got married at 13 years old and I want child marriage to be banned. I was lucky to have good and affluent in-laws but most Pakistani women are not so lucky."
"This bill sends a powerful message...It's a very important signal to the country, to our development partners, and to women that their rights are protected at the top."
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