“I really need to step up.” Those are the life-changing words that ran through young Memory Banda‘s head when she was faced with the terrifying reality of child marriage at the age of 13. Banda is from Malawi, where a staggering 50% of girls are married by age of 18 — usually men two or three times their age. But she decided to take a stand, and ultimately helped end the practice for many girls in her community. Read more here:
Washington
Grade: C
Number of Women and Girls At Risk: 25,000
Status: Existing Legislation Needs Strengthening
Improve by adding: Prosecuting parents/guardian, felony offense