"I was just a child and suddenly got married. Before I had time to recover from the shock, I got pregnant.”

This was Salma's life at 15. Forced into marriage, she suffered gender-based violence.

But her story didn't end there. 

Watch her inspiring journey: She's now back in school, pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

See how the UNFPA is working to end child marriage.

The Central African Republic is one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman.

Why? Because most women in the country are illiterate, live in poverty and experience gender-based violence on a widespread scale.

Hear some of their stories and see how UNFPA—the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency—is taking action to help them learn new skills.

In the Central African Republic, where women are risking their lives to escape violence, safe spaces supported by UNFPA—the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency—are saving lives.

See what it looks like when women find safety.