Saba Qamar leads Unicef’s campaign against child marriage in Pakistan

Renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has been appointed as UNICEF Pakistan’s first National Ambassador for Child Rights. This significant announcement was made on October 11, 2024, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child. In her new role, Qamar is set to spearhead initiatives aimed at raising awareness and combating pressing issues affecting children and young people in Pakistan, with a particular focus on ending child marriage.Google Groups+9The Express Tribune+9UNICEF+9App.com.pk

A Pioneering Appointment

Saba Qamar, celebrated for her roles in acclaimed films such as Kamli and Hindi Medium, brings her influential platform to UNICEF’s mission. In her statement, Qamar expressed her commitment to advocating for every child’s right to a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of education, health, and protection from harmful practices. She highlighted the challenges faced by children and women in Pakistan and expressed her dedication to supporting UNICEF’s efforts to create a better future for the nation’s youth.

Addressing Child Marriage in Pakistan

One of the primary issues Qamar aims to tackle is child marriage, a practice that continues to affect millions of girls in Pakistan. According to UNICEF, the country is home to approximately 19 million child brides, ranking it sixth globally in terms of prevalence. More than half of adolescent girls in Pakistan are pregnant before the age of 18, a situation that poses significant health risks and limits educational and economic opportunities.

Qamar’s advocacy focuses on the urgent need to end child marriage, which she describes as a violation of girls’ rights and a barrier to their development. She calls for a collective societal effort to protect the rights of young girls and ensure they have the opportunity to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential.

UNICEF’s Commitment to Child Rights

UNICEF Pakistan Representative Abdullah Fadil welcomed Qamar’s appointment, praising her as a “brave and powerful advocate” for women’s and girls’ rights. He emphasized that her involvement will help draw attention to critical challenges facing children in Pakistan and accelerate efforts to help every child reach their true potential.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has been actively working in Pakistan to address various child rights issues, including education, health, and protection from violence and exploitation. Through partnerships with the government, civil society, and influential figures like Qamar, UNICEF aims to create lasting change for children across the country.

Saba Qamar’s appointment as UNICEF’s National Ambassador for Child Rights marks a pivotal moment in the fight against child marriage and other challenges faced by children in Pakistan. Her involvement brings renewed attention to the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and highlights the role of public figures in driving social change. As she embarks on this advocacy journey, Qamar’s efforts are expected to inspire collective action and contribute to a future where every child in Pakistan can thrive free from harmful practices.