How one teenager stood up for her rights and refused early and forced marriage

Fifteen-year-old Watta Sagno lives with her family in the rural Commune of Daro, in the Prefecture of Macenta in southern Guinea. Watta’s parents are illiterate, and the family rely on subsistence farming, livestock, and daily labor work to make a living. They have always followed tradition, which calls for girls to get married very early.

“When I  learned that my  parents wanted to give my hand to a man by force,  I  stood up for my  rights and refused. Faced with pressure, I  reminded everyone of the PROTECT activity's awareness raising against forced marriage of minors which is punishable by law. The marriage was canceled” Watta said. 

Watta’s  courage sparked change in her community. Thanks to the USAID-funded PROTECT activity which fights against human trafficking and similar practices, Watta can now follow her heart. She wants to learn a trade and use her skills to help her village progress. She plans to give back to her community by educating children about their rights. 

“Today, in Daro, many children go to school and child marriage is decreasing. I would like to become a champion to educate other young girls like me on their rights. If you train me, I can do it. I want to learn a trade.” Watta proudly declares.