Part 8/13:
Many girls were forced into such marriages, living under arrangements that violated modern laws and basic human rights. Narratives of girls being "sold" or "married off" against their will highlight a cultural and legal conflict. For example, some girls aged 16 or 17 had their identification papers altered to appear older, facilitating underage marriages.
Moreover, the social stigma associated with being an abandoned girl or a child bride led many to endure years of emotional and physical abuse, fearing societal judgment or repudiation if they attempted to pursue their rights or reconnect with their roots.