Lahore, Pakistan In a gauzy fantasy, Safia Badal imagined becoming a bride and looking “the prettiest on my wedding day.” But at 13, she was surprised by a proposal and same-day marriage – in an ordinary dress. Had she been a burden on her impoverished, divorced parents? As a 19-year-old homemaker in the capital of Punjab province, Safia remains in a marriage that has brought disappointments – but also two young sons.

Transcript:

My name is Safia, and I am a resident of Bilalnagar neighborhood in Lahore.

I was married off when I was just 13.

Every girl wishes to become a bride and move to her new home.

This is the day when she looks the prettiest of all.

This is what I wished, too.

One day, some guests arrived, and they talked about a proposal.

I was married off the same evening in the dress I was already wearing.

I do not know if a girl is a burden on her parents or not.

It is up to the parents to decide.

My parents got divorced, and I moved with my mother to my grandmother’s house.

There was poverty in the house.

I am 19, and my older son is 3½ years old. The younger one is 1½ years old.

A girl should not be married off at a very young age because she does not know how to manage a household.

She is not mature enough at that age.

A girl should only be married off when she is mentally mature.