Child marriage is a global issue that affects millions of girls every year. The numbers are staggering: according to a report from the World Bank and Save the Children, around 30,000 girls are forced into marriage every single day. That’s 20 girls every minute, or one girl every three seconds. UNICEF reports that more than 700 million women worldwide were married as children. These girls lose their childhoods, face interrupted education, and are often subjected to premature pregnancies. Most importantly, they lose control over their own futures.
A Shocking Social Experiment in the Heart of New York
Coby Persin staged a fake wedding between a 65-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. The goal? To capture people’s reactions and raise awareness about the horrors of child marriage.
In this experiment, Coby played the role of a photographer, pretending to take wedding photos of the elderly groom and his young bride. The pair posed together, holding hands, while the man smiled down at his “new wife.”
At first, most passersby simply glanced over, confused but unsure of what was happening. But as the reality of the situation became more evident, people’s reactions grew increasingly emotional and heated.
New Yorkers React: Anger and Intervention
As the staged wedding progressed, onlookers began confronting the couple. People expressed their disgust and shock, with one woman stopping to ask where the girl’s mother was and others calling the situation “crazy” and “sick.”
Some passersby intervened directly, pulling the young girl away from the older man. The outrage was palpable, and the tension in Times Square reached its peak. The city’s citizens made it clear that they would not stand for the sight of a child being married to an elderly man, showing the kind of moral response the world should have to child marriage everywhere.
The Global Crisis of Child Marriage
This staged wedding might have taken place in one of the busiest cities in the world, but the message it sends echoes across the globe. Every three seconds, a girl somewhere is forced into marriage. This is not just an uncomfortable truth—it’s a crisis. From local communities to international organizations, more must be done to protect young girls from this harmful practice.
Time to Take Action: Ending Child Marriage
Child marriage is a human rights violation that deprives girls of their right to education, freedom, and a safe childhood. The social experiment conducted by Coby Persin brings to light a reality that many people may not realize is happening around the world. It’s a call to action for all of us to stand up and put an end to this terrible practice.
Now is the time for every one of us to act. By spreading awareness and making our voices heard, we can help ensure that no girl is ever forced into marriage again.
If you believe in protecting the future of all girls, share this article and spread awareness about the issue of child marriage. Together, we can help end this practice once and for all.
