In the picturesque district of Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, Seema was recently bestowed with the title of ‘Woman of the Year.’ However, the reason behind this honor is not a tale of triumph but a heartbreaking journey marked by unimaginable suffering imposed upon her at a tender age—child marriage.
Married off at the tender age of 13, Seema’s life took a devastating turn when she was diagnosed with vaginal fistula at just 16 years old. Since then, her existence has been synonymous with agony, her health deteriorating as she battled this debilitating condition. Every visit from villagers, filled with pity for her worsening health, only served as a painful reminder of the silent struggle she endured.
Vaginal fistula, a condition characterized by an abnormal passage between the vagina and nearby pelvic organs, brings with it a myriad of complications, including urinary and fecal leakage, tissue damage, and kidney infections. Left untreated, it can escalate to life-threatening conditions, casting a shadow of despair over the affected individuals.
Seema’s story is not an isolated one but a reflection of the perils of child marriage prevalent in many parts of the world, including Pakistan. Despite global campaigns and legal frameworks condemning the practice, child marriage persists, with an estimated 18 percent of young girls wed before adulthood in the country, according to Unicef.
The consequences of early marriage extend far beyond the individual, encompassing health risks, high-risk pregnancies, and barriers to education and personal growth. Moreover, the cycle of childbirth perpetuated by early marriage exacerbates poverty within families, further entrenching communities in a cycle of hardship.
Medical experts, such as Dr. Sajjad Ahmed and Dr. Nazneen Zamir Farooqi, highlight the dire healthcare situation for women like Seema, underscoring the urgent need for specialized treatment facilities and increased awareness. Despite the invaluable services provided by hospitals like Koohi Goth Hospital and City Hospital Gilgit, the absence of more specialized institutions remains a gap in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
The story of Seema serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the scourge of child marriage. While legal frameworks like the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 exist, their enforcement falls short, allowing the practice to persist. It is imperative that comprehensive legislation is enacted, accompanied by robust enforcement mechanisms, to break the cycle of child marriages and safeguard the health, dignity, and dreams of our children.
Seema’s harrowing journey underscores the imperative for action—not just words—in addressing this pressing humanitarian issue. It is time to stand together and demand change, for the sake of Seema and countless others whose lives hang in the balance.