Initially, I didn’t know what they were up to and I was shocked. It took me a moment to get myself together and shout for help.
Previously, it was normal for a girl to be abducted and be forced into marriage. I saw a group of elders coming out of our house and my instinct told me that something was wrong. I left and went back to school to ask them for help.
We [Hirut and her teachers] went to my house with the police to speak to my family. They promised that they will never think of doing such a thing again and agreed to let me stay in school. I am a free girl now, and studying hard to become a doctor.
While Hirut was away from her village, her friend was forced into marriage.
I sometimes see her. Now she has 2 children and because of the misery of being a child wife and mother, her face has changed a lot.
All I care is about my education and dreams. I am so thankful that I took part in Plan International’s child protection project which helped me become stronger.
Narrative provided by Plan International
