About this talk
Many people think of child marriage as something that only happens in developing countries or among certain religious groups. However, there are loopholes in the law that make child marriage legal in almost every state across America. It’s a shocking fact, and it’s one that is difficult for many people to comprehend.
Sherry Johnson is a survivor of child marriage. At age 11, she was forced to marry her rapist, who was also the deacon of her Florida church. By age 27, Sherry had given birth to 9 children. Today, decades later, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that no child will be forced to enter marriage before they reach adulthood. Through her advocacy work, she is committed to changing child marriage laws in America and across the globe. Check out Sherry’s 2018 TEDMED Talk to learn why she believes that sharing her story, and encouraging others to speak out as well, is a critical part of changing laws and protecting children from child marriage.
About Sherry Johnson
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Sherry Johnson is a survivor of child marriage and a leading advocate for ending the practice in the United States and globally. After being forced to marry her rapist at age 11 in Florida, she has dedicated her life to ensuring no other child endures the same fate. Her personal story became a powerful tool for change. Starting in 2012, she began lobbying lawmakers in Florida, telling her story to anyone who would listen. Her efforts led to a major legislative victory in 2018 when Florida passed a law that made it one of the strictest states in the country, prohibiting anyone under 17 from getting married. This was a significant step forward in her fight to close legal loopholes that allow child marriage. Sherry continues to be a public speaker and activist, working with organizations to push for similar legislation nationwide. She believes that by sharing her story and empowering others to speak out, they can create a world where child marriage is illegal everywhere. Her work has been featured in major news outlets, highlighting the fact that child marriage is not just an issue in other countries but a serious problem that requires attention in the U.S..
