Worldwide, more than 700 million women alive today were married as children. That is, more than 1 in 3 were married at the tender age of 18 or less, claims UNICEF. Now being in the 21st century, if these facts aren’t hard-hitting enough, then what possibly is?
Meet Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan who used the ramp to voice his concerns against child marriage. It was time for the finale event of the HUM Bridal Couture Week 2017 in Pakistan and the designer startled everyone by choosing a young teenage girl to walk down the ramp wearing a ‘Bridal Uniform’.
In defiance of the vice of child marriage, the designer wrote:
“The fashion industry can go beyond fashion alone and Ali Xeeshan proved just that with his showstopper that stopped us in our tracks: a child in school uniform. Pointing a finger at the grave reality of child marriage in Pakistan.”
The campaign was in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan who wanted to use fashion for a cause. The idea was to symbolize the unfortunate trade-off when a child is deprived of her right to an education and is instead married. They posted:
The designer decked his showstopper with bridal jewellery and henna but also adorned her in school uniform and carrying a school bag with a tag that read ‘power’ over her shoulder. The juxtaposition of bridal motifs with school uniform depicted the unfortunate state of affairs where a girl child who should be going to school is instead married and forced to take responsibilities for household chores.
The event was received with a standing ovation and the guests couldn’t stop cheering for the unusual showstopper.
The event was a huge success. It garnered immense support from popular celebrities who signed the petition against child marriage.
Unfortunately, child marriage is a sad reality even in India. In fact, India has the highest number of child brides in the world. It’s commendable how designers from the neighbouring country have used fashion to raise awareness against the vice of child marriage. It’s time we also get inspired by them and stand up for education instead of marriage. What do you think?
