Leila

Leila, who asked that her last name not be used to protect her family, said her uncle in Niger forced her to marry a man at age 14 because he owed a debt he couldn’t repay. A year later, she was pregnant.

She said her husband beat her for refusing sex. After a second pregnancy, she was able to escape, get a divorce and return to her studies.

Through tears, she urged other young brides to remain hopeful. “I would say to them to be patient and remain courageous,” she said.