7 short child marriage stories

These child marriage stories show how and why Plan International is working to prevent early marriage and reveal the effect our work is having on girls’ lives.

Because I am a girl – I’ll take it from here

YouTube video

Our award-winning stop-motion film shows how education can transform girls’ lives. Education is one of the biggest factors in preventing child marriage. An educated girl is more likely to marry later, have fewer children, earn more money, invest in her children and become a force for change in society. 

It’s my life – girls say no to child marriage in Africa

YouTube video

In sub-Saharan Africa around 7 million girls live as child brides. Parents marry off their daughters due to poverty, tradition and gender inequality. See how children’s groups set up by Plan International are spreading the message about the value of educating girls and the negative aspects of early marriage. 

No mountain too high – ending child marriage in Nepal

YouTube video

15-year-old Maya was forced to drop out of school following her marriage. Plan International’s mobile outreach team helped her get back to school despite being unable to access Maya’s village by road.

13, and a bride

YouTube video

In Dosso, Niger, 13-year-old Mariama discovered that she was to be married in a few days’ time. In one of Plan International’s most watched child marriage stories, see how cultural and financial factors played a role in her mother’s decision to accept a dowry for her marriage and how Plan International works at multiple levels to educate communities about the consequences of child marriage.

Lamana’s story

YouTube video

Child marriage exposes girls to abuse, exploitation and early pregnancy. When Lamana was 15, this became her reality. See how Plan International worked alongside a local partner organisation to help her regain confidence, return to education and change her life.

12-year-old Thea’s wedding to 37-year-old Geir

YouTube video

Child marriage is most common in South Asia and West and Central Africa but how would people react to a child marriage taking place in Europe? Plan International Norway created a blog by 12-year-old Thea, who revealed she was marrying a 37-year-old man named Geir and the story soon went viral. This video shows what happened on the wedding day.

Wedding Busters: Child marriage free zones in Bangladesh 

YouTube video

66% of girls in Bangladesh are married under 18. See how Plan International works alongside a local children’s organisation to create ‘child marriage-free zones’ to stop early marriage.

Education, Emergencies, Protection from violence, Sexual and reproductive health and rights, Child marriage, Child protection in emergencies, Gender-based violence

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