Shamila, a 14-year-old girl, and her 13-year-old sister Amina were married off in anticipation of monsoon rains in Pakistan, as their parents sought financial assistance to cope with the imminent floods.
After marrying a man twice her age, Shamila expressed her initial optimism, believing that marriage would improve her life. However, her hopes were shattered as she faced the harsh reality of her situation, exacerbated by the upcoming rains.
Climate-driven economic insecurities resulting from the devastating floods in 2022 have led to a resurgence in underage marriages, reversing the declining trend observed in Pakistan. The heavy and prolonged monsoon rains, influenced by climate change, pose significant risks such as landslides, floods, and crop damage, affecting millions of farmers and threatening food security.
The aftermath of the 2022 floods, which devastated a third of the country, has given rise to a disturbing trend known as ‘monsoon brides’. Families, desperate for survival, are resorting to marrying off their daughters in exchange for financial support, as highlighted by the spike in child marriages in severely affected areas like Dadu district.
In villages like Khan Mohammad Mallah, where Shamila and Amina were wedded, the prevalence of underage marriages has significantly increased since the last monsoon season. Economic hardship and the need for survival have driven parents to expedite their daughters’ marriages in exchange for money, marking a stark shift from the traditional norms.
The repercussions of such marriages are evident in the lives of young girls like Najma Ali, who initially anticipated a life filled with material possessions and joy but was left grappling with poverty and unfulfilled expectations. The grim reality of polluted waters, depleted resources, and barren lands has painted a bleak picture for these young brides.
Despite legal efforts to curb child marriages and improve education access for girls, adverse weather events like floods continue to heighten the vulnerability of young girls in Pakistan. The plight of Mehtab, a 10-year-old girl narrowly escaping an early marriage, underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect the rights and future of young girls in the face of climatic challenges.
