This UNICEF video is not like any other you’ve seen.
Girls in Chad are more likely to die in childbirth than to attend secondary school.
Almost seven out of 10 will be married before their 18th birthday.
And the country has the second highest rate of child marriage in the world.
Let’s just take a moment to let those horrifying statistics sink in – that means almost 70 per cent of girls will be forced to become child brides.
Related: A 9 y/o Sydney girl has left the country to become a child bride.
It means these children have to give up their education and devote themselves to “wifely duties”.
And it means their young bodies often won’t cope with the demands of pregnancy.
If it still doesn’t feel real though, this confronting video produced by Unicef with electronic music producer RL Grime will really make you sit up and take notice.
Related: In the name of family: This teenage girl is about to marry a 44-year-old stranger.
Because we bet you’ve never seen a public service announcement like this one before.
It is utterly devastating – but also beautiful (and unexpectedly hopeful).
It will give you goosebumps, and it will also bring home the horrific reality facing most of the female population of this country.
Related: Child marriage: The confronting truth, in pictures.
If you only watch one public service announcement this year, let it be this one.
Because the story could be so different.
Top Comments
Read 'Infidel'. The author refused to go to her own wedding in protest, as she didn't want to have to marry the guy. Her dad said "Fine, you're not required to go anyway, I'm the one who signs you over". Talk about being powerless property. (Although boy, did she show them)