Bridal Couture Week calls to bring an end to child marriages through 'bridal uniform'
Following the showcasing of bridal outfits by models, a young girl appeared wearing a school uniform embroidered with bridal motifs. Photo: Un Women Pakistan
(Web Desk) – With the ongoing season in Pakistan being all about weddings and, naturally, fashion, a recent trend of overabundant fashion shows including bridal couture weeks are being held across the country. One such bridal couture week was held last week where numerous talented designers flaunted their bridal creations.
While celebrities including Humaima Malick, Shaan and Uzma Hassan, to name a few, lit up the ramp at the Hum Bridal Couture Week 2017, there was an even greater side to the event - something that couldn’t make it to the limelight.
Towards the end, after numerous brides had walked the ramp during the bridal couture week displaying magnificent bridal creations by top designers from across the country, a young girl appeared wearing a school uniform embroidered with bridal motifs.
In an attempt to make a statement symbolising the unfortunate ordeal of girls who are married off at an early age while being deprived of their right to education, the young girl’s presence in the fashion show aimed to highlight the plight of young girls while advocating to put an end to the practice of child marriage. Called the ‘Bridal Uniform’, the effort was a collaboration between UN Women Pakistan and Ali Xeeshan Theater Studio.
Following the young girl’s walk on the ramp, under the campaign, a petition to raise voice and put an end to child marriage was started, which managed to get around 500 signatures.
The petition read: “The Child Marriage Restraint Act (Amendment), that asks to raise the legal age of marriage from 16 to 18 is being discussed and will be voted upon by the Senate. Sign the petition to generate greater momentum of public support for its passage both at the Senate and eventually at the National Assembly”.
Celebrities including Mahira Khan also endorsed the petition on Monday calling to bring an end to child marriages across all provinces of the country.
