KARACHI: The Legal Aid Society, in collaboration with the United Nations Democratic Endowment Fund (UNDEF), Tehrik-e-Niswan and Bond Advertising, hosted the “Mela on Women’s Rights in Marriage”, a unique and interactive event designed to raise awareness about women’s legal rights in marriage.
The event blended cultural traditions with critical legal education, engaging participants through interactive segments that emphasized the significance of understanding Nikahnama clauses, haq meher, dowry, and other legal protections for women.
One of the key issues discussed at the event is the often-overlooked potential of the Nikahnama as a tool for protecting women’s rights. Despite its role as a binding marriage contract, crucial clauses that safeguard women’s autonomy — such as those related to the bride’s haq meher, the delegated right of divorce, and special conditions — are frequently left blank or crossed out. An empirical study conducted by the Legal Aid Society in 2023 revealed that in 90 percent of the Nikahnamas reviewed from Sindh, these vital clauses remained unfulfilled, raising concerns about the systematic exclusion of safeguards for women.
Published in News Daily on 11-October-2024.