VIDEO OF THE DAY:
THESE FORMER CHILD BRIDES
ARE STANDING UP
FOR GIRLS IN ETHIOPIA
Melka from Ethiopia was just 14-years-old when she was married off against her will becoming a child bride, despite the fact that her country made marriage under the age of 18 illegal in 2004.
She was hospitalized for 30 days after her husband’s friends beat her into the bedroom after her ‘wedding’. After the authorities stepped in and her marriage was annulled, life was hard for Melka. She needed to work to survive. But she’s made it. Melka has turned her fortune around and now educates other girls about their rights and about child marriage.
“It was hard, but I’ve come out stronger,” Melka said.
Alemtsahye, another woman from Ethiopia, was married at 10 and became a mother and widow at 13. She was even trafficked to Egypt before managing to reach Europe. Alemtsahye fought hard for freedom and in the end was able to gain an education.
“Education is a powerful tool for change, no matter your age. It helps you define who you are; it empowers you to rise above the hurdles life has placed in front of you,” Alemtsahye said.
Around the world, one in three girls in developing countries are married before they are 18-years-old. Early marriage is a violation of a girl’s fundamental human rights and crushes their life chances. Early marriage and poverty are also linked.
Alemtsahye and Melka are proof that given the right chances, women are change makers and will use their voice to stand up for others, even when faced with terrible circumstances. They are now using their voices to support and empower other girls at risk of child marriage.
What YOU Can Do
The organization, Girls Not Brides, is asking the public to pressure Zimbabwe amend legislation to make marriage under 18-years-old illegal. Sign the petition.
>via: http://www.empowermagazine.com/video-day-former-child-brides-standing-girls-ethiopia/