The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and UNICEF, in collaboration with UNFPA and UN Women, have initiated a nationwide communication campaign named “BOLO” (Speak Up) to eliminate child marriage in Pakistan. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of child marriage and advocate for legal amendments and their enforcement.
NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar stressed the importance of joint efforts from the government, NGOs, civil society, media, and other stakeholders to tackle this issue. She noted the ongoing national campaign aimed at building consensus and gathering current data. The Child Marriage Restraint Act is presently under discussion in Parliament, with hopes of establishing a minimum marriage age of 18 and the requirement of a National Identity Card.
UNICEF officials outlined the campaign’s key elements, emphasizing the need to address gender-based barriers and deprivation. UNFPA and UN Women representatives reiterated their commitment to pursuing legal changes and their implementation.
The “BOLO” campaign aims to:
- Educate the public on the issue of child marriage and its effects on girls, families, and national development
- Engage key stakeholders and raise public awareness about the importance of preventing child marriage
- Address the complex causes of child marriage and provide comprehensive multi-sectoral support
Through collective efforts, significant progress can be made towards eradicating this harmful practice and promoting gender equality.
