I wept when I read this.

Thank you.

I hate how our culture tends to underestimate kids' capabilities. I was pretty smart when I was 10 and not a sheltered kid, and plenty of kids that age worldwide have to deal with issues our culture commonly considers "mature" or "inappropriate for children".

And yes, cool story.

a.k.a. Ninapendamaishi, please say that you are not suggesting we shouldn't protect children from marrying at LEAST until their bodies can safely deliver a child (usually considered 15-20 by medical professionals)? That's sort of how that came across. I'd say our culture has the right idea here.

That said... I am so happy for this girl. She is amazingly strong and will blossom into a wonderful, intelligent woman.

I didn't read a.k.a. Ninapendamaishi's comments to be suggesting that we shouldn't protect children...

Great post, inspiring to say the least.

this story makes me physically ill. There is so much wrong with it that I can't even express.
I look forward to a world without this type of abuse of religion, and cultures where women and children are property or dirt.

She is my shero, not "he"ro! :-)

While this young woman has done something extraordinary, is anyone else concerned that she is back with her parents who married her off in the first place?

I'd like to see more information in the article about what the courts have done to ensure that she doesn't get married next year, or more from the parents about how they will treat the rest of their 16 children, or how being divorced at age 10 will affect the rest of her life in her community.

I guess one could assume that since there is national attention on her that she will be treated differently than she might if there were no international non-profits interested in her outcome, but I see a story like this - and it seems happy - but I just have so many more questions before I can begin to feel happy about the situation.

Sorry to be a downer...

MiloJ: While I don't agree with it, Islamic law is pretty strict about fostering and taking children away from their parents. I'm not too worried, though-- she seems capable of preventing a future marriage, reporting if there was abuse, and helping her siblings do so as well.

I'm so amazed and proud of how strong Nujood is. I hope only the best for her.

I'm so amazed and proud of how strong Nujood is.
I hope only the best for her.

Something that really touched me in the video was the teacher's support of Nujood. I think all too often, people in Islamic culture are portrayed as hard or harsh. Nujood could have been shunned because of what happened to her, but it is obvious that she is being supported. That teacher's actions are obviously contributing to Nujood's courage.

God/Goddess/Allah bless the strength, dignity, co-support, and resilience of women.

MiloJ,

I saw a news report and they actually interviewed the father. For what it's worth, he cried and appeared to be mortified. (Apparently he struck a "deal" that she would go to this other "family" and not really become a "wife" until she was older---16 if I remember correctly. The family didn't honor the deal.)

Yeah, not much good in this anyways, but it appeared to be a financial decision---just wanted to share the back story. You might still be able to find it with a search. It's appalling no matter what.

My wife and I thank you for covering this issue. We think it is very important.

My wife wrote to femministing about a case just like this one about a month or so ago. It might be the same one. Is this the case where a young girl got a lawyer and filed for divorce on her own initiative?

In any case it is nice to see it here now.

Miles commented at October 3, 2008 3:49 AM: "My wife wrote to femministing about a case just like this one about a month or so ago. It might be the same one. Is this the case where a young girl got a lawyer and filed for divorce on her own initiative?"

As if one case wasn't more than bad enough, there's been more than one of these cases! Were you thinking of Nojoud Muhammed Nasser, age 8 (see http://www.feministing.com/archives/008996.html )?

Mina: It sure looks your right, I think it was Nojoud Muhammed Nasser.

Aren't these young women amazing?

I have tried several times to explain my feelings, and my wifes since she is unable to type right now due to disability, but I can't get the words out the way I want. The respect we have for them is beyond our ability to communicate at this time. They are truly awe inspiring.

I think this girl is very inspiring. She was able to stand up against oppression at such an early age. I am glad to see that she has assimilated smoothly into her class again and that her teacher and the rest of her classmates are encouraging her.