How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan

After unprecedented floods in 2022, rights workers warn marriages for underage girls are now on the rise due to climate-driven economic insecurity.

As monsoon rains were about to break over Pakistan, 14-year-old Shamila and her 13-year-old sister Amina were married off in exchange for money, a decision their parents made to help the family survive the threat of floods.

"I was happy to hear I was getting married... I thought my life would become easier," Shamila told AFP after her wedding to a man twice her age in hope of a more prosperous life.

"But I have nothing more. And with the rain, I fear I will have even less, if that is possible."