Child Marriage and Human Rights Issues

My father has sold me because

we don't have bread, rice and flour.

He has sold me to an old man.

He's bought Parwana for 200,000 Afghanis,

just over 2,000 US dollars.

Covered up, Parwana whimpers as her mother holds her.

This is your bride.

Please take care of her, says Parwana's father.

Of course I will take care of her,

replies the man.

His large hands grab her small frame.

Parwana tries to pull away.

As he carries her only bag of belongings,

she again resists,

digging her heels into the dirt.

But it's futile.

The fate of this small, helpless child has been sealed.