In Bangladesh, 52% of girls are married by their 18th birthday. In more rural communities, the numbers are even worse, where 71% of girls are married before the age of 18. Meghla Akter was almost forced into marrying a 30 year old man at 13, when her mother threatened to kill herself if she didn’t go through with the marriage. She managed to escape to a friend’s house, where she took refuge. Her mother refused to talk to her for three months and restricted her education. With time, Meghla was able to return to school and about to start at university. At 18, she wants to help other girls and boys who are facing similar situations. Meghla currently serves as the vice-chairperson of the World Vision’s Child Forum, where she works to prevent child marriage in Bangladesh. She was recently named in Ashoka Bangladesh Change Maker.
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