Shattered dreams : the voices of brides and bridegrooms

Objectives of this Report: This report is an attempt to rekindle and strengthen the efforts made thus far in reducing the prevalence of CEFM in Pakistan. Using representative primary data from all over Pakistan and a mixed methods research design, it attempts to answer the following questions and make appropriate policy recommendations: 1. What is the prevalence of early and child marriages in Pakistan? 2. What impact does early and child marriage have upon victims’ mental health, educational outcomes, livelihoods, and aspirations? 3. What are the main concerns of the affected regarding the practice?

"Shirakat is a non-governmental organization working on human rights and women’s rights in Pakistan. The organization is governed by a board of directors including development professionals, gender and human rights activists and behavioral change communication specialists. The board is responsible for policy guidance, management and review of performance of the organization."

"This research is an effort to listen to the women and men who had to go through the early marriage experience."