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D.A.R.E.
CHILD BRIDES
SCRIPT

by
Emily Bill















{Enter STUDENTS, pamphlets are passed out as they walk through
the door by RENALYNN. EMILY, DIAHANN, and ANA in front of big
white board. STUDENTS, then take their seats. RENALYNN joins in
front of white board.}

(Slide 1)

EMILY

Good afternoon, I am Emily and this is Diahann, Ana, and
Renalynn. Today we will venture the tragedy of child marriage.

DIAHANN

Although victims are both male and female, we will mainly focus
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on the girls situations because our main topic claims the title
child brides.

{ANA crosses right to laptop timer on the small shelf next to
white board. Simultaneously DIAHANN and RENALYNN switch
positions.}

ANA

Before we begin, were going to start a timer on this laptop. It
will be running until the end of our lesson. Statistics show 27
girls under 18 are married each minute. At the end we will then
calculate the approximate total.

(Slide 2)

RENALYNN

This is Roshan Qasem, she is 11 years old. The man next to her
is her husband, Said Mohammed, who is 55. Since Roshan married
him, she lives with his first wife, their three sons, and one
daughter, the same age as Roshan.

(Slide 3)
EMILY

To begin, you will watch this motivational video of Nada al-
Ahdal telling her story. She describes her escape from marriage,
and why she stands against it.

{Start video. DIAHANN walks behind first two groups by the
window, RENALYNN stands behind the two groups adjacent, EMILY
stands behind the third row of two groups, and ANA stands by the
rightmost groups near LOVEJOYs desk.}

DIAHANN

Now you all can discuss within your group what you learned and
what you already knew.

{EMILY, DIAHANN, ANA, and RENALYNN engage with their groups.
After RENALYNN and ANA walk to front of class. EMILY and
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DIAHANN stand behind the middle groups.}

RENALYNN

Does anyone want to share? If not, then well call on someone.

{ANA will call on volunteers, if there is any, or we will choose
randomly. Three or four students will share. We will answer or
comment when needed.}

(Slide 4)

{RENALYNN and ANA scoots to the sides of the projector screen.}

(Slide 5)

EMILY

Here we will explore the basics everyone needs to be infomed
about child marriage.

(Slide 6)

DIAHANN

According to UNICEF, child marriage is the formal marriage or
informal union before 18, more times than not forced or
arranged. Although, a girl becomes a child bride when she is
forcefully married off before the age of eighteen to a man
usually over thrice her age.

(Slide 7)

ANA

Every year 14 million girls become child brides. These girls are
stripped of their natural human rights in school, security, and
health.

(Slide 8)

RENALYNN
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To put it into perspective here is some statistical analysis.
Child marriages between girls and boys aged 15 through 19 are 72
to one in Mali, and 8 to 1 in the United States. Average
marriage age of developed countries in the US and Denmark range
around 30 years old. In all developing countries- Asia, Africa,
and elsewhere- 1 in 3 girls will marry before 18.

(Slide 9)
(Slide 10)

{DIAHANN walks and talks to the front of the room on the left of
RENALYNN, reciting her next line.}

DIAHANN

The history of child marriage dates as early as Biblical times.

(Slide 11)

{EMILY walks and talks to the front then stands next to ANA,
reciting her line all the while.}

EMILY

According to Jewish Law, Jews could marry girls a day after
their 3rd birthday. In Genesis, of the Bible, Isaac married
Rebecca when she was 3 and he 40. In most cases, girls were
betrothed, then married after puberty.

(Slide 12)

{ANA steps forward}

ANA

Although the Quran doesnt state when a girl can or cannot
marry, they do wed after puberty- around 8 years old. Islam
forbids girls to have intercourse before girlhood; Muhammad, for
example, married his third wife Aisha when she was 6 years old,
though its before she turned 10 that they actually lived
together.
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{ANA steps back}

(Slide 13)

{RENALYNN steps forward}

RENALYNN

Wealthy households, in Medieval and Renaissance times, used
girls as objects to create alliances between noble families.
Unlike today where marriages signify the union of two people in
love. Peasant girls delayed marriage because they werent urged
to marry for political reason, instead they worked for their
family.

{RENALYNN steps back}

(Slide 14)

{DIAHANN steps forward}

DIAHANN

One common misconception is that child marriage is practiced
only in Muslim countries, which is hardly the truth.

{DIAHANN steps back}

(Slide 15)
(Slide 16)

{ANA steps forward}

ANA

Now for where it truly takes place: everywhere!

EMILY and RENALYNN

(Whispers) Except Antarctica

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DIAHANN

(Whispers) No one even goes there.

ANA

No matter the religion, ethnicity, or location of a region child
marriage knows no boundaries.

(Slide 17)
{EMILY stands up to the screen making necessary gestures towards
the image on screen}

EMILY

This map shows the distribution of percentages of child
marriage. The darkest blue regions represents 70%. As you can
see Niger is the sole leader in child marriage. 75% of Nigerian
girls are married before 18, and in some areas it can be as high
as 89%. This lighter blue you see in these regions- India, the
center of Africa, and Nicaragua- covers the countries ranging
from 70 to 40%.

{EMILY steps back as RENALYNN engages in the necessary gestures
regarding the same image}

RENALYNN

The next lightest shade of blue, here in Asia, South America,
and most of Latin America, represents less than 10% of this
child unions. These countries in the lightest shade of blue
werent recorded by GirlsNotBrides. Although, it still occurs
just not as often as the identified countries here.

(Slide 18)

{RENALYNN switches places with DIAHANN}

DIAHANN

Here is Ghada she is 8 years old, and her husband behind her,
Saltan who is 33, works in the Yemeni military. She has not yet
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reached puberty in this picture, but she is much expected to
have children in the following years.

(Slide 19)

ANA

Now we will explore the four common reasons these girls face the
cursed life of child marriage.
(Slide 20)

EMILY

Another misconception is that parents marry off their daughters
because they do not care for them; although this isnt true,
most parents believe it is in their best interest.

(Slide 21)

{While DIAHANN speaks EMILY and ANA switch places}

DIAHANN

The first is tradition. Sometimes it only happens because a
girls mother and grandmothers were married at a young age, and
they are only carrying on tradition. Failure to do so could
result in banishment if not followed. Keep in mind most villages
consists of family so if theyre expelled theyre homeless.

(Slide 22)

{While ANA speaks DIAHANN and RENALYNN switch places}

ANA

The next is because of gender roles. Males are generally seen as
superior to females. Families see daughters as a burden, or an
extra mouth to feed. So they wed them as soon as they can. Many
believe an education would distract them from housework and how
they learn to be a proper wife. One man said that the best
compliment you could say to him was how good of a wife or mother
his daughter was.
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(Slide 23)

{While RENALYNN speaks EMILY and ANA switch places}

RENALYNN

These families live in poverty, and they use their daughters as
a payment or to fulfill a debt. Sometimes parents cant afford
them so they marry them in exchange for the money they need.
Usually the money is from a dowry, or bride price, to the
parents. In other cases girls are sold into prostitution.

(Slide 24)

EMILY

The last factor is security. Some parents believe early marriage
will protect their daughters future. Parents fear their
unmarried daughter will be kidnapped or raped, and pre-marital
sex is the worst, leaving their daughter as an outcast. As a
result they marry them off because a man would be less likely to
rape a married woman.

(Slide 25)

{ANA steps forward}
ANA

This is Ghulam, aged 11, and Faiz, aged 40. They are posing for
a picture in Afghanistan prior to their wedding. Earlier that
day Ghulam said her father pulled her out of school months ago,
and that she is sad because she had aspired to become a teacher.
57% of Afghan girls get married before the legal age of 16.

{ANA crosses to left of the screen and RENALYNN while finishing
last line}

(Slide 26)
(Slide 27)

{DIAHANN crosses to right of screen and EMILY while saying her
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lines}
DIAHANN

Now is the time where we reach the impacts of child marriage on
girls. The main effects are the lack of environmental safety
they live in, lack of education, increase in poverty, and their
endangered health.

(Slide 28)

RENALYNN

Child wives face above average abuse rates, and are at a higher
risk for domestic, emotional, and sexual assault, due to the
fact they are unable to defend themselves. Furthermore, most
girls describe their first time having intercourse as forced.

(Slide 29)

EMILY

Girls cant have a complete education. Parents will take their
daughter out of school and wed them if they cant afford her, or
they will never allow her to go from the start. Most parents are
oblivious to the fact that an education will earn them more
money. If these girls were allowed to complete school they could
provide a life 10 times better for her and her children.

(Slide 30)

DIAHANN

As a result of dropping girls out of school, they are more
likely unable financially contribute to their family. In most of
these countries families life off $2 dollars a day, if they are
to stay and complete their education their annual income will
greatly increase.

(Slide 31)

ANA

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The most common cause of death for girls under the age of 15 are
complications from childbirth. Therefore girls who are married
off are 5 times more likely to die during pregnancy and child
delivery because their bodies arent physically mature. These
girls have high STD rates that infect them and their children,
that lead to high infant mortality rates. It also leaves them at
risk of domestic and sexual abuse.

(Slide 32)



RENALYNN

We have a brief gallery of some different situations that were
reported. Each of us will share the story that follows along the
picture.

(Slide 33)

This is Marzia, in this picture she is 15 years old; she was
married in Afghanistan at 9. Marzia set herself on fire out of
fear of her husbands reaction after she accidently broke his
television.

(Slide 34)

{RENALYNN and ANA switch places}

EMILY

Here we see a 14 year old from Yemen washing her newborn while
her 2 year old plays. Her name is Asia, and in this picture she
is still bleeding and ill. Because she isnt schooled, Asia
lacks the ability to properly take care of herself and access
maternal health care.

(Slide 35)

{DIAHANN and EMILY switch places}

DIAHANN
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This is China, an 18 year old sex worker from Ethiopia. In the
picture she sits after being beaten by a client. Many girls who
escape their marriages end up trafficked in brothels where
theyre sentenced to a life of violence and sexual exploitation.

(Slide 36)

ANA

In Kandahar, Afghanistan, a man is arrested by a policewoman,
Malalai Kakar, for repeatedly stabbing his 15 year old wife,
named Jamila, because she disobeyed him. When asked what would
happen to the husband, Kakar said, Nothing, men are kings
here. Kakar was later killed by the Taliban.

{ANA and RENALYNN switch places}

(Slide 37)

RENALYNN

In the pink is Tahani an 8-year-old from Yemen; recalling the
early days of her marriage to Majed, when she was 6 and he 25,
she states, Whenever I saw him , I hid. I hated to see him.
Ghada, the girl wearing green from the beginning of the
presentation, used to be Tahanis former classmate.

(Slide 38)

{EMILY and DIAHANN switch places}

EMILY

This is Rajani, she is 5. The same day her aunts, Radha, 15, and
Gora, 13, were making preparations for their wedding. All the
while relatives began bathing and dressing Rajani as well;
thinking it was for fun, Rajani had no idea she too was to be
wed that night. Here her uncle roused her from a nap after
midnight, taking her to her wedding where she is to be married
to a boy of 8 years.

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(Slide 39)

{DIAHANN and EMILY switch places as well as ANA and
RENALYNN...again}

DIAHANN

This is Moni at 15 years old. She entered a writing competition,
and won. They published her submission and sent it to other
schools across Nepal. Once Monis parents realized how lucrative
it was to keep her in school they cancelled her marriage.

(Slide 40)

ANA

Here is Nujood Ali. Doesnt she look happy? When she was ten
Nujood fled her abusive, much older husband and found her way to
a courthouse in Sanaa, Yemen. Her courageous act turned her into
an international heroine for womens rights. She published a
book, which she called I am Nujood, Ten and Divorced. Now that
shes divorced, she is back home with her family and attending
school.

(Slide 41)
(Slide 42)

RENALYNN

Now how can We end it?

(Slide 43)

The general solutions to combat this custom are first of all to
educate and empower girls. As stated when we increase
educational opportunities girls delay their marriage. Not only
that but they will want their kids to be educated to which will
result in a decrease in poverty.

EMILY

The next is to encourage the community especially males and
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traditional leaders for once they are convinced the rest of the
community will soon follow. Another is to provide incentives so
people choose alternatives to marriage such as providing
donations, loans, subsidies to keep girls in school.
The next thing we can do is not only enact minimum age laws but
enforce them and properly punish them when broken.

(Slide 44)

DIAHANN

Some of you are probably thinking how can we be able to conquer
all this?! Which you are right to question, but there are simple
steps you can follow right now. The most important step is to
raise awareness. After today we want you to tell your friends,
your parents, grandparents, cousins, second cousins, everyone
about what you learned today.

ANA

After you keep telling them until you practically anger them ask
them to donate or donate yourself. If thats not possible sign
petitions. There are websites like change.org and whitehouse.gov
that always have petitions on these issues, and you dont have to
be over 18 to participate in petition signing.

RENALYNN

You can even email your local representatives, and if enough
people do it we can pressure our national government to take
action. Believe it or not but Americans can change aspects in a
completely different country.

(Slide 45)

EMILY

A major support option we thought would appeal to specified
crowds, like you is the Selfie Solidarity Wall. If you consider
yourself to be supportive of human rights, gender equality, and
the fight to end violence against women, we want your selfie!

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DIAHANN

Entered selfies will be posted at an exhibition in Chicago's
Columbia College, April 28th to May 2nd. Selfies are a huge
trend right now, why not put it to good use and make a
difference! For more information pleas visit
newlensproject.org/selfie.

(Slide 46)

ANA

Each group has one girl card, it includes the story of a victim
of child brideship. Right now you will all take a moment to read
your stories in your group, either by taking turns or one person
reading allowed. After, you will, in your group, discuss the
main problems the girl you have faces. Go!

{STUDENTS read, then discuss among themselves. Meanwhile EMILY,
DIAHANN, ANA, and RENALYNN walk to back of the room.}

EMILY

Right now youre going to read each story aloud. When we get to
a specific slide, one person from each group will read the story
that matches aloud to the class, meanwhile you will learn the
ending to the story your group has and everyone elses group.
The results will either end on a positive or negative note, each
one is unique.

(Slide 47)

{RENALYNN gestures to Group 1}

RENALYNN

Now will the United States please read their story.

{STUDENT reads}

Jeanne, Amy, and Desiree lived as Alamos wives, enduring many
years of abuse before they were able to leave. Eventually, they
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left that church. In 2009, the saw Alamo again, though this time
to testify against him. Alamo was declared guilty, and now
serves 175 years in prison.

(Slide 48)

{EMILY gestures to Group 2}

EMILY
Would the table who has Niger, please read.

{STUDENT reads}

Niger eventually outlawed Wahayas. In 2005, Haididjatous
husband released Hadidjatou with the intention of marrying her
legally; although she was able to file a divorce and run away
with her children at 21. She soon married a man of her choice.
Two years later, her ex-husband found out and charged her for
bigamy, leading to her sentence of 6 months, which ended up
lasting around 3 years.

(Slide 49)

DIAHANN

Now Romania please read.

{STUDENT reads}

Not only will calling off the engagement financially cripple the
family, but it will bring dishonor for breaking the promise,
causing Maria to become an outcast for life.

(Slide 50)

ANA

Now Malawi please share your story of Kalinde.

{STUDENT reads}

Her husband never uses condoms because he has already infected
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her with HIV. Kalinde believes marriages is not good for girls,
that there is no happiness. She has made her story known so
she can help change for other girls. Despite sharing her story,
Kalinde changed her name and denied a photograph. She is one of
the many cases where girls are afraid of revealing their
identity.

(Slide 51)

RENALYNN

Now Pakistan can read.

{STUDENT reads}

With the help of an American provincial reconstruction team in
the Oruzgan province and the organization Women for Afghan
Women, she finally received the help and protection she needed.
Bibi Aisha then fled to the US to get constructive surgery.

(Slide 52)

EMILY

Now for Nepal.

{STUDENT reads}

Suma states, At 16, i got a second chance. Room to read helped
pay my school fees, introduced me to a mentor and gave me life
skills training to build my confidence. I will graduate
secondary school in 2 years. After that, my dream is to become a
health educator to help empower more girls in my community.
Here is a lyrical video of Sumas song she wrote about her life.

(Slide 53)

DIAHANN

Next is Thailand, please read.

{STUDENT reads}
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When she told her parents, they asked the man to come over and
then offered her as his bride for 2,000 baht. Due to the stigma
of pre-marital sex, the mother forced her 13 year old daughter
to marry a 34 year old man.

(Slide 54)

ANA

Last is Australia.

{STUDENT reads}

This girl now anonymous says "what I would say to other young
girls in your position is never get married at an early age."
"If you do you will have psychological problems like I do. I
don't get to live like other girls my age - and I never will."
"We need financial help, we need centres in this village - where
we can be taught skills and work, and earn money for our
families so we don't have to be sold as child brides. "We also
need mental health institutions so people with mental health
issues like me can recover."


(Slide 55)

{RENALYNN steps forward}

RENALYNN

Now if you all can take out a half sheet of paper for your
assessment. Youll have to answer a question regarding the girl
on the card you share with your group.

{DIAHANN steps forward}

DIAHANN

The question is If you had the opportunity to visit the girl on
the card, what questions and/or talking topics come to mind?

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{EMILY and ANA step forward}

EMILY

You will have a few minutes to complete this, then were done.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

{Simultaneously}

EMILY and DIAHANN and ANA and RENALYNN

This has been a DARE Production. Thank You.