ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani woman has invented a new board game in a bid to escape her own arranged marriage. Nashra Balagamwala, 24, created 'Arranged!' based on her personal experiences “I've spoken up about a topic that Pakistanis are uncomfortable with, and now I'm no longer the perfect submissive bride they're looking for,” she said.
Nashra said she was under increasing pressure growing up, to submit to an arranged marriage. “I couldn't accept the fact that I'd have to spend the rest of my life with someone I've only known for a couple of weeks, and someone that was chosen for me based off his wealth, social status and other superficial factors,” she said. Nashra soon left for New York, to study at Rhode Island School of Design. With her experience working at Hasbro games, she began pulling together a board game that captured her own struggle to avoid an arranged marriage, and the experiences of friends who had been forced into loveless unions with people they barely knew.
In the game, players must do everything they can to avoid the matchmaker, who is played by another player. Cards drawn at random, help push the action forward for the runaway brides. Commands include 'You want to pursue a career... move four steps”. If players land on the same tile as the 'Rishta Aunty', they face the threat of having to marry male suitors scattered around the board game. “I took examples from the numerous things I've done to get out of an arranged marriage myself, like talking about pursuing a career, wearing fake engagement rings, having male friends, or getting a tan-darker skin, things considered to be less appealing in Pakistani culture- and turned it into a light-hearted game that is both fun to play and eye opening.”
Nashra said the response was overwhelming. “People from all over the world have reached out to help with my visa and living situation, as well as to provide moral support. I've had many Pakistani girls reach out to thank me for finally speaking up about something so important. I've also dealt with a lot of criticism. Many Pakistanis have had negative remarks and have said I'm a disgrace because I'm badmouthing the society.”
