On a cold night in Kabul in 2009, 11-year-old Somaya was bundled into a car by her father and driven to the house of a stranger. She had been sold into marriage for $2,200..
Somaya’s story is not unique. In Afghanistan, one in three girls is married before the age of 18, and one in nine is married before the age of 15. Child marriage is often seen as a way to protect girls from poverty and insecurity, but in reality, it can have devastating consequences..
Girls who are married young are more likely to drop out of school, experience domestic violence, and die in childbirth. They are also more likely to have children who are malnourished and stunted..
Somaya was determined to break free from her marriage. She confided in her cousin, who helped her run away to a women’s shelter. At the shelter, Somaya met other girls who had also been forced into marriage. Together, they formed a support group and began to advocate for their rights..
In 2014, Somaya founded the Gulestan Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to end child marriage in Afghanistan. The foundation provides education, training, and legal support to girls who are at risk of being married young..
Somaya’s work has made a real difference in the lives of many girls. She has helped to raise awareness of the issue of child marriage and has provided support to hundreds of girls who are trying to escape it..
Somaya’s story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can make a difference in the world..
**Here are some ways you can help end child marriage:**.
* Educate yourself about the issue..
* Speak out against child marriage..
* Support organizations that are working to end child marriage..
* Donate to organizations that are working to end child marriage..
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of girls around the world..
