Human Rights & Social Justice
Marriage Rights

In Pakistan, many women sign nikahnamas (marriage contracts) without fully understanding their rights, often due to familial pressure or a lack of awareness. Despite the presence of laws and legal protections, women often face significant challenges in securing their financial and divorce rights, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized in the context of marriage rights. To address these challenges, our initiatives aim to bridge gaps in implementation through a range of targeted and collaborative efforts across Pakistan. 

Our initiatives include Know-Your-Rights Workshops, social media campaigns, documentary series, and the development of educational materials on nikahnamas to raise awareness of marriage rights. We also organize national moot court competitions to facilitate dialogue on women’s marriage rights among law students.

CFHR places a strong focus on training and capacity-building for key stakeholders, including Nikah registrars, Nikah Khwans, Union Council Secretaries, law professors, to promote a deeper understanding and enforcement of marriage laws. Through our Marriage Rights Clinic, we provide legal advice, representation, and support to women and girls, improving their access to justice.

Additionally, CFHR actively engages in strategic litigation to address systemic issues in critical areas such as divorce, dowry, child custody, and underage marriage. These efforts collectively aim to empower women, protect their rights, and create a more equitable framework for marriage laws in Pakistan.

A lightbulb representing an idea next to the question "What is Algorithmic Unfairness" and a large question mark. The logo for "Institute for Responsible Artificial Intelligence & Human Rights" is in the bottom right corner.

"Message in a Mithai Box" Campaign wins the Bronze Spikes Award

The "Message in a Mithai Box" campaign earned Bronze at Spikes Asia 2025, our second international honor after ranking 5th globally at SABRE Awards 2024. This Ogilvy Pakistan initiative empowers women with Nikahnama rights information through QR-coded cards in sweet boxes.

"Message in a Mithai Box" Campaign wins the Bronze Spikes Award

Kaante Na Lagao Campaign

In Pakistan, 99% of women lack at least one key marriage right in their Nikahnama. The #KaanteNaLagao campaign, launched by CFHR, Fahad Hussayn, and Mashion, combats this by raising awareness and advocating for women's rights within marriage contracts.

Kaante Na Lagao Campaign

Training-of-Trainers (ToT) on the Nikahnama

CFHR and CII conducted a Training-of-Trainers program in Islamabad on the Nikahnama, equipping 30 religious officials to train others on proper marriage contract documentation, protecting spousal rights, and fulfilling legal obligations under Islamic law.

Training-of-Trainers (ToT) on the Nikahnama

Implementing Women's Marriage Rights in Legal Aid & Advocacy Clinics in Pakistan

CFHR advances women's rights via clinical legal education, training faculty nationwide on marriage rights clinics & launching a handbook for legal aid.

Implementing Women's Marriage Rights in Legal Aid & Advocacy Clinics in Pakistan

Know Your Rights Student Workshops

CFHR and Musawi empower youth through 31 Know-Your-Rights workshops on women’s marriage rights across Pakistan, reaching 942 students with interactive learning.

Know Your Rights Student Workshops

Rights and Delights Campaign

CFHR, with Rahat Bakers and Ogilvy, launched the Rights & Delights campaign to raise awareness of women’s marriage rights during wedding season.

Rights and Delights Campaign

Panjnad International Moot Court Competition 2024

CFHR's Panjnad International Moot Court Competition in 2024, with ABA ROLI & Universal College Lahore, saw 27 diverse teams debate family laws & women's rights.

Panjnad International Moot Court Competition 2024

Know-Your-Rights Media Campaign

CFHR's Qabool Hai campaign aims to dispel myths about women's marriage rights through engaging social media content, empowering women and girls.

Know-Your-Rights Media Campaign

Ijaazat Campaign

Partnering with Generations Pakistan, CFHR launched the Ijaazat Campaign to empower women by raising awareness of Nikahnama marriage rights.

Ijaazat Campaign

International Symposium on Women’s Marriage Rights in Pakistan

CFHR champions women’s marriage rights through research, legal aid, national advocacy, arts-based campaigns, and expert-led symposiums that drive reform.

International Symposium on Women’s Marriage Rights in Pakistan

Marriage Rights Clinic (2022-23)

CFHR's Marriage Rights Clinic trains law students to uphold women's marriage rights in Pakistan, using Nikkahnama expertise & combating disinformation.

Marriage Rights Clinic (2022-23)

Legal Aid

CFHR offers legal counsel and representation to women on marital issues, accessible in person or online. Contact CFHR via their query box or WhatsApp for inquiries.

Legal Aid

Marriage Rights Documentary

This documentary explores the Nikahnama's vital role in marriage, showing how its clauses safeguard rights and guide informed, empowered decision-making.

Marriage Rights Documentary

Local Action, Global Impact

We work across Pakistan, driving legal reform, advocacy, and policy change to protect human rights and empower communities.

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