An 18-year old girl from Pakistan has designed a board game, that is about the system of arranged marriages in her country. The idea struck Nashra Balagamwala, when she was approached for marriage five years ago.
A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Nashra first came up with the idea of making the game ”Arranged!” while listing down all the things she had done to steer clear of an arranged marriage while growing up in Pakistan.
Arranged is a board game that follows three women players, whose goal is to avoid the matchmaker.
Wearing fake engagement rings, getting a tan or being seen with male friends in public are some of ploys that she has employed into the game.
“This game has really helped decrease the pressure of getting an arranged marriage. 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,” Nashra said.
There are cards with commands like “you want to pursue a career…move four steps”, will help push you further away from the matchmaker, or the “rishta aunty”, in the game — but the real goal is to initiate a conversation around arranged marriages.
“At the beginning of the game, players usually think it’s all fun and games, however, they start to realise the deeper issues that are present and have the urge to talk about it,” she added.
She adds that the game has received “unbelievably overwhelming” feedback.
“I’ve had several Pakistani and Indian girls reach out to thank me for finally speaking up,” Nashra told Mashable.
However, every feedback hasn’t been positive.
“I’ve also dealt with a lot of criticism. Many Pakistanis have said negative remarks and have made it clear to me that I’m a disgrace because I’m bad mouthing the society,” she confessed.
Nashra hopes that the game will “empower” women to “pursue things such as an education, a career or a love marriage.”
“Although a game cannot change the world, I am hopeful that by discussing the problems these societies face, they might start to realise how flawed these norms are and eventually work towards fixing it,” she said.
