Not silenced: the courage of Nada Al-Ahdal
Some videos online have spread false claims about Nada Al-Ahdal, calling her a child bride and saying she was killed. The facts tell a different story: a girl who escaped, survived and never stopped speaking out.
The girl who said no
In 2013, at the age of 11, Nada fled her home in Yemen to escape a forced child marriage. The wedding was one week away. She had already seen what forced marriage can do. Her aunt had taken her own life at 14 after a forced marriage, and her sister had attempted the same at 12.
Speaking out
Nada recorded a video about the injustice of child marriage. It had 8 million views in under three days and was translated into more than 40 languages. The world listened, and the Yemeni government introduced laws criminalising child marriage.
Facing danger
Speaking out came at a price. Nada later survived a 14-day abduction by ISIS. After this ordeal, she continued her work for girls.
A foundation that carries her voice
Prime Minister Ahmed Obaid bin Daghr supported the idea of the foundation. Nada Foundation works for girls' rights and against child marriage. In 2020, it received the "With and For Girls" award from Purposeful in London.
Courage that inspires
Nada's story is one of courage. She refused to be silent, even in the face of danger. Her example reminds every girl that her voice matters.