"I was just a child": Salma survived forced marriage at 15 and is now back in school

calendar_today31 October 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyeSiuUiBs8

"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.

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“My parents wanted me to marry at the age of 13, but I was not ready,” said Shwapna, pictured here with her friend Shantimala at an information and awareness-raising session in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. © UNFPA Bangladesh/Farjana Sultana

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Information sessions, held by UNFPA and partner organization the Association of Women with Disabilities in Madagascar, are key in changing minds and raising awareness about gender-based violence in the country. © UNFPA Madagascar.

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"I was just a child": Salma survived forced marriage at 15 and is now back in school

This Valentine's Day, busting 5 common myths about child marriage

“Marriage is a choice”: Working with people with disabilities to address gender-based violence in Madagascar

"I was just a child": Salma survived forced marriage at 15 and is now back in school

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