As monsoon rains were about to break over Pakistan, 14-yearold Shamila and her 13-year-old sister Amina were married off in exchange for money, a decision their parents made to help the family survive the threat of floods.
"I was happy to hear I was getting married... I thought my life would become easier," Shamila told AFP after her wedding to a man twice her age.
"But I have nothing more. And with the rain, I fear I will have even less, if that is possible."
Pakistan's high rate of marriages for underage girls had been inching lower in recent years, but after unprecedented floods in 2022, such weddings are now on the rise due to climate-driven economic insecurity.
The summer monsoon between July and September is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food security, but scientists say climate change is making them heavier and longer, raising the risk of landslides, floods and long-term crop damage.
Many villages in the agricultural belt of Sindh have not recovered from the 2022 floods, which plunged a third of the country underwater, displaced millions and ruined harvests.
"This has led to a new trend of 'monsoon brides"," said Mashooque Birhmani, the founder of the NGO Sujag Sansar, which works with religious scholars to combat child marriage.
"Families will find any means of survival. The first and most obvious way is to give their daughters away in marriage in exchange for money."
This story is from the August 22, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 22, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
US blamed for expo row
Analysts warn exclusion could have dire consequences for SA down the line.
4900 visas for critical skills jobs
South Africa has a list of almost 150 jobs considered by the department of employment and labour (DEL) to be in short supply.
Nsfas to decentralise
Department welcomes move, plans to set up regional, satellite offices.
Lawsuits cost health billions
Investigations stop R3 billion in fraudulent claims, parliament hears.
City face Inter reunion
Manchester City are braced for their Champions League reunion with Inter Milan at the start of an expanded tournament that will be \"so tough\" for the 2023 winners.
League Cup no inconvenience
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he still believed English football's League Cup remained a \"significant\" competition.
State of rates in Africa
Africa’s largest economies to make changes for first time in years.
RAF not about to 'implode'
»» Improvements not sustainable without legislative changes, says Letsoalo.
Can Superbalist grow?
Shein overtakes the SA retailer, while Bash is different kind of threat.
Crochet gets sex appeal
100% cotton yarn garments do not loose shape ina cold wash.