Lack of formal reproductive health education in
educational institutions in Pakistan and social taboos,
leaves the majority of newly married couples unprepared
to deal with sexual, social and health issues after
marriage.
Early age marriage is prevalent in our society where 35%
get married before 18 years of age and 54% by age 20
years.1 The median age for first birth is 22.2 years.1 Many
couples end up having children due to lack of knowledge.
There is a Child Marriage Restraint Act, but little
awareness of it.
Marriage is often forced in Pakistan. This is a cultural
practice which is more prevalent in the rural areas. The
spouse is mostly chosen by the family elders, not the
couple themselves. This is despite the fact that Islam
stipulates that the marrying couple must be willing and
agree 3 times at the time of Nikah to ensure that no
coercion exists. Psychological disturbances occur from
inequality in social and financial status, education, nature
of employment, earning capacity, previous marriages and
children and a joint family system. Marriage is a legal
contract with equal rights, obligations and expectations
of a happy social union. Anti-Woman practices like watta
satta, vanni, swara and chatti are rife in rural areas and
need to be abolished through legislation and education
of the masses.