Forced Marriages

     Many people were affected by the war in Sierra Leone. Rebels "destroyed villages and farms, and raped, maimed, and murdered thousands of women and children," (page 213) leaving thousands to grieve and rebuild their lives with what little resources they had left.
     As a result of poverty, many people still struggle in Sierra Leone, but women are especially struggling. The respect women once had in the community no longer exists. "Many women are subjected to ongoing sexual, emotional, and physical abuse," (page 213). Men struggle with being unable to support their families using agriculture or other jobs that provide some source of income. Men are often left angry because of this. Young girls are often raped by older men, and are forced into marriages, which is different than arranged marriage.
     Forced marriages are marriages that take place without the consent of the bride or groom. Arranged marriages are marriages in which the parents choose the groom/bride with the consent of the groom/bride.
     Now, Mariatu was told she would be married off to Salieu. This would be an example of a forced marriage, because Mariatu did not want to marry Salieu. Therefore, she did not give her consent.
     Forced marriages don't only just take place in Sierra Leone. Places with the highest rate of forced marriages include Niger, Central African Republic, Guinea, and India. There are many efforts taking place to stop forced marriages, but it is still practiced today.
     Perhaps if Salieu didn't die, and Mariatu stayed in Sierra Leone, she would've ended up married to Salieu. How would you feel if you were forced to marry someone? Especially at such a young age.