One video, more than 40 languages: how Nada Al-Ahdal's message spread
In 2013, an 11-year-old girl from Yemen recorded a short video message. Within days, Nada Al-Ahdal's voice had reached people all over the world.
Why she spoke out
Nada had fled her home to escape a forced child marriage, one week before the wedding date. She knew the danger from her own family. Her aunt had taken her own life at 14 after a forced marriage, and her sister had attempted the same at 12.
A message without borders
In her video, Nada spoke about the dangers and injustice of child marriage. She shared it on YouTube. It had 8 million views in under three days and was translated into more than 40 languages.
Newspapers and television channels around the world told her story. It brought child marriage in Yemen to the attention of people everywhere.
What the video changed
The international coverage led the Yemeni government to introduce laws criminalising child marriage. Prime Minister Ahmed Obaid bin Daghr supported the idea of turning Nada's efforts into a foundation.
A lesson for today
Nada's video shows the power of one honest voice. When a girl is heard, people listen, and laws can change.
Nada Foundation carries her message forward: every girl has the right to a childhood, to learning and to a future she chooses.