Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy wants you to know what's in your nikah nama

Many women in Pakistan don't know what is written in their nikah nama; some sections are even crossed out without the consent or knowledge of the bride-to-be.

In her latest Aagahi video, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy aims to educate women about their legal rights pertaining to this marriage document. The third animated short film, “Know Your Nikahnama” explains the various sections in the nikah nama, highlighting important information that the bride should know before she signs this legal document.

The three-minute video discusses the rights that may be conferred to the bride via the nikah nama: what is given in the mehr, the right of divorce (talak), and even the right to a predetermined monetary allowance the husband gives his wife every month, etc.

Related: Read this before you sign your nikah nama

The video includes contact information for various helplines, counselling services, and legal support services available to people who may have questions about their nikah nama.

Aagahi is a seven-month project in which 14 animated shorts will be released under the SOC films banner. The educational videos will be two-three minutes long and be narrated in Urdu (by Aaminah Sheikh) and other regional languages. They will explain and clarify the legislations that affect women and give an overview of how the legal provisions granted to them may be applied; it's a much-needed initiative!