In most societies, marriage is a celebrated institution signifying a union between two adults and the beginning of their future together. But the experience of marriage is vastly different for the millions of girls worldwide every year who are wed while still children.

Child brides are robbed of the ordinary life experiences other young people take for granted. Many are forced to drop out of school. Their health is at risk because of early sexual activity and childbearing. They cannot take advantage of economic opportunities. Friendships with peers are often restricted. Child marriage deprives girls of basic rights and subjects them to undue disadvantage—and sometimes violence. Countries with a high percentage of child marriage are more likely to experience extreme and persistent poverty, and high levels of maternal and child mortality.

The personal stories told in this exhibit are separate and unique. Yet each shares elements in common with the next. Together these stories illustrate that those who have suffered the indignities of child marriage share a commonality of experience that transcends specific circumstances, cultures, countries, and continents.

Through these stories, this exhibit provides an opportunity to witness child marriage from the inside, and to learn what is being done to improve the lives of child brides and prevent at-risk girls from marrying when they are too young to wed.