Child Marriage Around the World: Iraq — Shaima

At 16, Shaima married a man 12 years her senior to ease her parents’ money troubles. Soon after her marriage, her husband inflicted a beating that permanently damaged her left eye because she was studying for classes at the local arts institute. Shaima, who thought she had his support to continue her education, attempted suicide. She survived, only to endure a divorce that left her isolated in her lifelong hometown in Iraqi Kurdistan. Today, she has resumed her studies in theater, music and the arts.

Voice of America reporters around the world focused on the worth of a girl to reveal how a young bride is valued by two families: the one she leaves behind and the one she joins. Explore the full project https://projects.voanews.com/child-marriage/