Child marriages, that is marrying off girls below the ages of 18 years, is common in Pakistan, especially in rural areas. Many of the child marriages are forced and the young couple are unable to develop a bonding, and the bride finds it difficult to adjust in the matrimonial bonds. Young motherhood forces her into difficult health conditions, and the children born out of such marriages are weak and require special health care. In many of the cases, the parents force the girls into marriages for reasons of property, dowry (especially in Pushtoon tribal areas), family honor, and even for money. In Pakistan, the Government passed a Child Marriage Restraint (CMR) bill that called for arrest and punishment of marriage registrar solemnizing child marriages. The Council of Islamic Ideology has denounced the CMR Bill. The Supreme Court has presently given a Stay on the Bill implementation. The citizen groups and NGOs are campaigning for implementation of the CRM Bill. Read More
The RISE Learning Project is facilitating learning on Recovery and Reintegration (R&R) approaches that improve outcomes for children and adolescents affected by sexual exploitation (CSE). One of our methods to achieve this is through the implementation of learning projects: these are small reflective practice projects which allow practitioners on the ground to undertake a piece of work, learn together with peers and share their experiences with the wider community of practice. Read More
If we were to implement a learning project with the topic of learning from survivors, and their role as peer supporters, experts and advocates in improving practice and policy, with a particular focus on shame, stigma, acceptance, and community integration, what would be the best possible method or approach to take? Read More
With respect to influencing policy on recovery and (re)integration from child sexual exploitation, what would be the key issues to be highlighted and advanced in your region, in advocacy work with policy makers? Read More
Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are complex phenomena involving multiple actors, requiring a multi-sectoral response. The absence of common language to describe conduct amounting to sexual exploitation and sexual abuse affects and undermines global efforts to protect vulnerable children. Read More
This document is intended to address commonly occurring situations and challenges that one faces in carrying out research with adolescents (people aged 10–19 years), the majority of whom are deemed not to have reached the recognized age of majority in their respective settings. To this end, adolescents aged 18 and 19 years are classified as adults in many settings and have the legal capacity to make autonomous decisions regarding their participation in research. In this document, the term “children” refers to people below the age of 18 years, and the term “minor adolescents” refers specifically to people aged 10–18 years. Read More
Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are complex phenomena involving multiple actors, requiring a multi-sectoral response. The absence of common language to describe conduct amounting to sexual exploitation and sexual abuse affects and undermines global efforts to protect vulnerable children. Read More
2016-06-16 • Jade