Pakistan sends ‘important signal’ of hope in a gloomy world of pushbacks on women’s rights

Pakistan’s senate passed the landmark ban on child marriage in the capital on 19 May. It is hoped that other regions will follow suit, though religious parties oppose the law. Photograph: Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Image

During last week’s tense debate over whether the Pakistan senate should pass a bill banning child marriage, Naseema Ehsan stood up to speak. “I got married at 13 years old and I want child marriage to be banned,” said the 50-year-old senator.

“I was lucky to have good and affluent in-laws but most Pakistani women are not so lucky. Not every child has a supportive husband like me.”