Breaking silence: Addressing silent health crisis of young girls in Pakistan

By: Sabahat Sikander

Pakistan is among the youngest countries in the world, with a significant proportion of its population consisting of adolescents and young women. This demographic reality should serve as a foundation for national progress. Yet for millions of girls—particularly in rural areas and low-income urban communities—growing up is marked by silence, restriction, and neglected health concerns. Deeply rooted cultural taboos continue to shape health-seeking behavior in ways that quietly but profoundly harm young girls’ wellbeing.

From an early age, girls are taught that speaking about personal health concerns is inappropriate. Cultural values associated with sharam and haya are often interpreted in ways that discourage open discussion of health-related issues. While these values carry social significance, their misapplication creates an environment where girls learn to endure discomfort in silence. Physical weakness, nutritional deficiencies, and emotional stress are frequently dismissed as normal phases rather than warning signs requiring attention. As a result, manageable conditions often worsen due to delayed care.

Adolescence is a particularly sensitive stage of life. Rapid physical and emotional changes occur, yet guidance and accurate information are often absent. In many households, questions are discouraged, and informal explanations replace basic health education. This lack of awareness affects daily routines and educational participation. Girls may withdraw from school activities or miss classes altogether, reinforcing already fragile educational outcomes. In communities where girls’ education is under strain, health-related stigma further accelerates dropout rates.

Access to healthcare remains a major barrier. Many girls are unable to seek medical attention independently and must rely on approval from family elders. This dependency leads to delays, especially when symptoms are perceived as minor or unworthy of consultation. The situation is further complicated by a strong preference for female healthcare providers. In conservative settings, families are often reluctant to consult male professionals, yet female doctors and trained health workers remain scarce in many regions. Preventive care—including nutritional counseling and mental health support—is rarely prioritized.

Early marriage intensifies these challenges. As marriage arrangements take precedence, a girl’s individual health needs are often sidelined. Persistent weakness, untreated deficiencies, and emotional distress are overlooked in favor of social expectations. Many young women enter adulthood without basic health assessments or counseling, increasing long-term health risks.

Emotional wellbeing, in particular, remains largely neglected. Stress, anxiety, and psychological pressure are frequently labelled as behavioral issues rather than recognized as legitimate health concerns, leaving girls isolated and unheard.

Misinformation further sustains these harmful patterns. In areas with low female literacy, myths surrounding medical treatment thrive. Distrust of modern healthcare encourages reliance on unverified remedies and delays professional intervention. Gender bias within households compounds the problem, as limited resources are often allocated preferentially to boys while girls are expected to tolerate discomfort. Over time, this neglect erodes not only physical health but also confidence, self-worth, and decision-making ability.

Mothers occupy a complex position within this system. As primary caregivers, they are often the first point of contact for their daughters. Yet they too are constrained by limited access to accurate information and long-standing cultural norms. Without institutional support, silence is unintentionally passed from one generation to the next.

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The consequences of these taboos extend beyond individual health. Poor wellbeing undermines education, productivity, and social participation, ultimately affecting national development. What appears to be a private issue is, in reality, a broader public health and equity challenge.

Policy intervention is essential. Schools must introduce respectful, age-appropriate health education. Primary healthcare services should be strengthened with a focus on adolescent girls, particularly in underserved areas. Expanding the availability of female healthcare providers and training community-based health workers can help reduce access barriers. Public awareness campaigns, supported by responsible media, can challenge harmful myths without undermining cultural values. Above all, health policies must recognize adolescent girls as a distinct group with specific needs.

Health should never be a source of shame. Empowering girls to seek care without fear is not only a medical necessity—it is a matter of dignity, equality, and Pakistan’s future strength.

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