Need to curb child marriages

CHILD marriage is common in our country, especially in rural areas. Almost 30 per cent marriages in the country fall into the category of child marriage.

Girls are victimised in the name of customs and traditions.

This is a tradition in most rural areas or villages. Poor people also marry their daughters because of financial problems.

There are five customs or traditions promoting child marriages: watta satta, paitlikkhi, swaranani, vulvar and addo-baddo.

Owing to child marriages, many girls between 12 and 18 years die either during childbirth or sexually transmitted diseases. Serious measures must be taken to help save lives of women.

SEHAR ARSHAD
Karachi

Dawn