Dear AHA Foundation Supporter,

This month I am delighted to announce that the AHA Foundation has concluded its extensive search and chosen our new Executive Director, George Zarubin. George has more than 20 years of experience working with various nonprofits around the world, and we are excited to see in which direction he leads the Foundation. Amanda Parker, AHA Foundation’s Senior Director, sat down with George for a short interview so you, our supporters, can get to know him and hear his vision for the future.

Legislation in several states is pending on the issue of child marriage, and we are excited to see so much progress in combatting this issue. Governor Cuomo is advancing legislation in the state of New York that will change the legal age to marry from 14 to 18. Read here to learn more about the bill and why we think the Governor’s office should stand firm in making 18 a hard line minimum age for marriage, as this is the clear path to safer, healthier, and better educated girls.

Girls around the world are suffering because of early marriage. A doctor in Iraq reached out to the Foundation to share how this dangerous traditional practice robs Iraqi girls of childhoods and productive livelihoods. He shares his story, his experiences working with victims of early marriages, and what he believes is the main reason behind the prevalence of child marriage – a lack of access to education.

To let your legislators know that you support legislation that will end child marriage you can use Unchained at Last’s online resource to send an email to voice your support. Together we can take a stand and help end child marriage and the suffering of girls across the US.

Thank you,

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Founder, The AHA Foundation