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ROYCE'S STORY - forced to marry a stranger

Royce escaped an abusive marraige and now educates others about the dangers child marriage brings

ROYCE'S STORY

Forced to marry a stranger

In Zambia, 39 per cent of girls are married as children. Royce was one of those girls. But now, she finally has the chance to reach her potential.

At just 15 years old, Royce was forced to marry a stranger. Terrified, she tried to escape the marriage, but the women of the village told her she had to do what her husband asked.

They took me back to him again. I could not refuse this time. I had to sleep with him, but I did not like him.

Royce suffered an abusive marriage for four years and during this time she had a daughter. Thankfully, she eventually found the courage to take her daughter, leave her husband and return to school.

Once back at school, she joined a club set up by Plan International UK called Girl Power. 

She now works with the club as an advocate, sharing her story and raising awareness among other young girls about the dangers child marriage can bring and the importance of receiving education.

GIRL POWER CLUBS HELP GIRLS:

Raise awareness

At the club, girls, boys and young women all have an opportunity to learn about their right to choose if, who and when they marry. They learn about the consequences of child marriage, dangers of early pregnancy and why receiving an education is important. They also gain the skills and confidence they need to ensure their voices are heard.

Stand together

Club members work together to protect other vulnerable girls. Another member, Precious, describes how: "If we discover a girl isn't at school because her parents want her to marry, we advise them to take her back to school - even if she's pregnant. We call the child helpline for police intervention and people pay attention to us."

Change lives

Thanks to supporters like you, we've helped set up Girl Power clubs like this in 9 more countries across Africa, Asia and South America, empowering girls like Royce to claim their rights and continue their education. When a girl is given the chance to go to school, she can achieve incredible things for herself, her family and her community.
Royce is now one of the best students in class

ROYCE TURNED HER LIFE AROUND

Royce is now one of the best students in class. She's also school president – a role allowing her voice to finally be heard and respected by all!

She's determined to study for as long as possible and one day hopes to work for the Zambian government, enforcing laws to prevent child marriage.

Royce's remarkable story shows just one of many barriers the world's poorest children face.

Your ongoing support will help more children like her change their realities day by day. We look forward to updating you soon on another child's progress!

 

 

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