Early and forced marriage is a very common practice in Pakistan, impacting 24 percent of girls below the age of 18 and putting them at risk of sexual, physical and psychological violence throughout their lives, according to speakers at a one-day training workshop for journalists. The workshop was conducted by Zofeen Ebrahim, an international award-winning journalist who has been writing passionately about women’s issues for many years. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “A lot remains to be done to improve women’s health issues and in this regard media has a vital role to play. As journalists get trained and acquainted with issues such as early and forced marriages, we will find increased coverage about this and similar topics.”Lack of reliable data leads to under-reporting and consequently underestimating the gravity of the issue, she said. Aisha Ijaz said, “This workshop will prove fruitful for all participants as through initiatives like these we hope to raise our voice against gender discrimination. We can raise our voice advocating reproductive health rights of women and children in Pakistan.” Other speakers included Sara Malkani, a prominent lawyer who writes on gender and human rights issues, and Dr Azra Ahsan, renowned gynecologist with special expertise in maternal health.Malkani spoke in depth about the Sindh Child Marriage Act, whereas the Dr Azra discussed negative effects of early and forced marriages on women’s health, especially young mothers. Journalists avidly participated in the workshop, and vowed to report on gender issues, particularly early and forced marriages with renewed focus and resolve. The workshop was organized by Sukh, an initiative of the Aman Health Care Services, which works on improving maternal and child health by promoting healthy reproductive behaviors and increasing access to quality family planning services. Published in Daily Times, April 22nd 2018.