Nujood Ali

Nujood Ali, a 10-year-old from Yemen, was forced into marrying a man almost three times her age. After suffering abuse, the child-bride gained international attention when she sought a divorce in April of 2008. A human rights attorney who met Ali at the courthouse represented her case and the divorce was granted.

In November 2008, Ali received one of the nine "Woman of the Year" awards given to women who have made major contributions to society. ¹

Fast Facts

1. Nujood Ali forced into marriage at age 10
2. Abused by 30-year-old husband Faez Ali Thamer
3. Went to court by herself and sought divorce
4. Met human rights attorney Shada Nasser at the courthouse
5. Ms. Nasser took on her case and represented Ali
6. Father and husband jailed until court hearing²
7. Judge granted divorce
8. Ali was ordered to pay her husband $200 under Sharia Law³
9. Average age of marriage for girls in rural areas on Yemen is 12-13³

Child Bride Nujood Ali Divorces

10-year-old Nujood Ali of Yemen, wed 30-year-old Faez Ali Thamer in an arranged marriage set up by her father. After being physically abused and raped, Ali went to a local courthouse on April 2, 2008, and sought a divorce. Ali was granted the divorce by a judge. She was ordered to compensate her husband $200 based on principles in the Sharia Law. The human rights lawyer who took on her case donated the money.³

Related Pages on Mahalo

Yemen | Forced Marriage | Arranged Marriage | Pakistan Child Wedding

Categories