UN Women Pakistan uses bridal mehndi art to highlight domestic violence

In a striking campaign against domestic violence, UN Women Pakistan has launched #Inkvisible, reimagining traditional bridal mehndi (henna) to portray the hidden bruises and scars many abused women endure behind closed doors.

The campaign features hauntingly symbolic bridal portraits, where the delicate floral patterns of mehndi are replaced with artistic depictions of injuries — a black eye crafted in henna, fingerprint bruises delicately encircling the neck, and split lips rendered through ornate designs.

The poignant visual contrast between the festivity of marriage and the pain of abuse is designed to challenge cultural silence around domestic violence.

Launched last month, #Inkvisible is more than a social media initiative. It follows the release of a UN Women report, which found that 37% of married women in Pakistan suffer physical abuse from their spouses.

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Disturbingly, over 70% of them never seek help, often silenced by societal pressure and shame.

As part of the campaign, henna artists are being trained as frontline advocates.

These artists not only educate brides about their legal rights under Pakistan’s 2016 Anti-Domestic Violence laws, but also distribute custom cones with domestic violence hotline numbers (0800-39393) during bridal appointments—transforming a symbol of celebration into a lifeline for awareness and empowerment.