Empowering Brides Beyond the Glamour
At first glance, bridal jewellery is all about elegance, beauty, and completing the perfect look for a bride’s big day. But what if it could mean more? In a groundbreaking campaign, designer Fahad Hussayn, actor Ramsha Khan, and the Centre for Human Rights (CFHR) have joined forces to redefine bridal jewellery as a symbol of empowerment and advocacy for women’s marriage rights in Pakistan.
The Grim Reality of Nikahnamas in Pakistan
Statistics reveal a startling reality: 99% of Pakistani women are denied at least one key marriage right in their Nikahnama (marriage contract). The practice of crossing out critical columns that protect women’s rights persists, even though it is illegal under the Punjab Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961. Despite planning every other detail of the wedding with meticulous care, most brides remain excluded from decisions about the Nikahnama.
A Collection With a Message
This wedding season, Fahad Hussayn turned the spotlight on this pressing issue through the launch of a symbolic bridal jewellery collection. Collaborating with CFHR, the jewellery pieces were adorned with embedded thorns, serving as a metaphor for the crossed-out columns in a Nikahnama that can create metaphorical “thorns” in a woman’s marital life.
The campaign’s centerpiece—a powerful video featuring Ramsha Khan—urges brides-to-be and their families to ensure that no vital column in the Nikahnama is crossed out. With the hashtag #KaanteNaLagao (#Don’tCrossOutThorns), the campaign stresses the importance of securing women’s rights.
Fashion Meets Advocacy
“For me, fashion and advocacy have always gone hand-in-hand,” says Fahad Hussayn, the creative mind behind the campaign. “This jewellery isn’t just an accessory; it’s a reminder of what’s at stake when women’s rights are dismissed during a marriage.”
Actor Ramsha Khan echoes this sentiment: “The Nikahnama is more than a formality; it’s the foundation for respect and equality in marriage. Through this campaign, we hope to inspire women to know and claim their rights.”
Turning Awareness into Action
Taking the initiative beyond awareness, the campaign features actionable steps:
- Auction for Legal Aid: A thorn-embedded bangle is being auctioned on Fahad Hussayn’s e-store, with proceeds going towards legal aid for women who cannot afford representation in marital disputes.
- Educational Podcast: An hour-long podcast with Mashion educates audiences on the importance of Nikahnama rights.
- On-Ground Partnerships: Collaborations with Depilex salons ensure brides-to-be receive key information during their bridal makeup sessions.
Spreading the Message Widely
The campaign has already sparked significant interest, with the Centre for Human Rights reporting increased queries from young women eager to learn about their rights. For further information, legal advice, or aid, individuals can contact the National Commission for Human Rights helpline at 1413.
A Call to Action
Let this wedding season not just be about glitter and glamour, but about empowering brides to claim their rightful place in the foundation of their marriage. For more details, visit Brides and You.