Taghrid BouMerhi: The Stolen Childhood of Young Brides (for Woman Scream Festival)

In the quiet corners of the world, in villages where the horizon is often blurred by tradition, the lives of young girls are being stolen, piece by piece. It is not a game, but a tragic and unspoken reality—a reality that traps these girls in the web of child marriage. They are made to trade their innocence for the weight of adult responsibilities, torn from the safety of childhood before their hearts are ready to carry the burdens thrust upon them.

Child marriage, a phenomenon that continues to scar millions of girls across the globe, is not a choice—it is an imposition. For many, it is a family’s decision, dictated by poverty, misguided tradition, or the desire to preserve what they believe is their daughter’s honor. But for the girl, it is an abrupt end to her dreams, her laughter, and the simple joys of her youth. It is a shattering of her world.

In a child’s life, there are supposed to be years filled with curiosity, wonder, and growth. There is the expectation of learning, exploring, and discovering who she truly is. Yet for the child bride, those years are erased. Marriage takes away her education, her freedom, and the chance to grow into the woman she could have been. Instead, she is thrust into a role that requires maturity beyond her years, a role for which she is not prepared, emotionally or physically.

The consequences are harsh and irreversible. The body of a young girl is not ready for the demands of marriage and motherhood. Her health suffers as her body is pushed beyond its limits. Childbirth, in particular, can lead to life-threatening complications—complications that too often take the lives of young brides before they even get a chance to see their own children grow up.

Beyond physical harm, the psychological toll is equally devastating. The stolen childhood of a young bride manifests in feelings of isolation, fear, and a deep sense of powerlessness. The dreams she once had are replaced with the grim reality of domestic chores, forced intimacy, and the loss of any agency over her own future. In these quiet moments, when the weight of her reality settles in, she may wonder if the life she dreamed of ever existed at all.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is power in education, and there is strength in solidarity. When girls are given the opportunity to learn and grow, they are empowered to break free from the cycle of child marriage. The dreams they hold close can be nurtured into reality, but only if we choose to stand beside them in their fight for freedom.

The world is beginning to wake up to the staggering cost of child marriage, but it is not enough. The voices of resistance must grow louder. Girls who resist, who refuse to accept a life defined by the constraints of marriage and early motherhood, must be celebrated. Their bravery becomes the beacon for others to follow.

We must stand firm in our commitment to protect the childhoods of these girls. It is not a game—this is their life, their future. They deserve the right to be children, to dream, to live without fear or limitation. In the face of tradition and oppression, we must choose hope. We must choose empowerment. And we must choose a future where every girl can grow into the woman she was always meant to be.

It’s not too late. The stolen childhoods of young brides can be returned, one voice, one change, and one act of defiance at a time.

Taghrid BouMerhi is a renowned Lebanese-Brazilian poet, essayist, translator, and journalist She serves as the President of CIESART Líbano, appointed by the International Chamber of Writers and Artists. An editor for over 10 print and online magazines, Taghrid bridges cultures through her literary and media work. She has authored 23 books and translated 40 books along with hundreds of poems and literary works. Recognized globally, she was named one of the top 20 international journalists by Legacy Crown. Taghrid’s achievements have earned her numerous international awards, highlighting her role in modern literature and cultural exchange.