Obama, Clooney and French Gates tackle child marriage - BBC 100 Women, BBC World Service

[@gtrida]

It is an inspiration to see these 3 wonderfully smart and accomplished women joining forces for such an important cause. Melinda is absolutely right in that, unfortunately, compassion is not enough to drive change at that level, so data needs to show the economic benefits. They are excellent advocates and drivers of action!

[@lisamcandrews5739]

It’s happening in the United States go to West Virginia, and 14 year old girls are being forced to marry

[@etprevails6839]

So proud of your work! 3 beautiful souls… thank you for being a voice for a voiceless! 🙏

[@snowwilliams1]

In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the legal marriage age is 14…Hawaii and Missouri is 15.

[@paolasoriano2867]

Real women activists!!! Proud of them.

[@lilaclai6560]

Michelle Obama made me cry a lot. I think she did feel the girls, she deeply connected with people, and she is the loving mother not only to her children, but many others' children.

[@lonestarlaurel]

Wonderful topic, so important, so well done BBC team. Gratitude here for all you all do, making a difference everyday, all around the world. 🐾💜💚

[@martinanagasha3665]

I am so inspired. I am African and child marriage is always quietly lingering in the shadows of our community.

[@luciavalente1002]

Sad to read some of the negative comments about the work of these ladies. Each of them could sit back, get tons of plastic surgery, indulge in the affluent Western life and yet, they try to do something to make the world a little better. For those who make the negative comments - what have you done to make the world a little better?

[@meghan3835]

Oh the ones who post the negative comments are the ones who wouldn't even bat an eyelid when something bad happens right in front of them. All they know is to sit behind a screen and pass comments.

[@sense5316]

Thank you for this information. This is an important issue. Young Girls/boys should never be forced to marry. I have young children that I would never marry off who have feelings, interests, opinions, talents, etc. Parents should never be forced to choose between children also.

[@johlae]

Yes I agree we all have to care… very eye opening interview.

[@rosariodeleon541]

It’s important to remember that women are important in every part of life.

[@badtanline]

This is a must-watch

[@junamilou3218]

this deserves more attention!!!!

[@awizenwoman]

As a self taught Genetic Genealogist is is heart-breaking, as well as upsetting to discover that many of my own famous ancestors married girls of 13 and 14, and today these same men would be classified as Paedophiles. So I wonder where and when and how over the centuries attitudes changed, as this same level education would help women global. Another problem is that even educated women are extremely anxious to even assert themselves for fear of what the consequences are as a result of their assertiveness. It is also interesting that despite being educated Obama and Clooney both willing took their husband's names on marriage, something that I never wanted to do, as I never wanted to give up part of my identity. Oliver Cromwell took his wife's name on marriage because she was of a higher social status.

[@masmalki]

Your double standards is something. Fighting against child marriage/ child trafficking in absolutely key. So also for child to not to be unalived in Gaza

[@leehartlee2970]

WHAT double standards? We aren't talking about Gaza that is a separate issue and we are doing what we can on that as well!

[@meghan3835]

There is only so much individual people can do and they are doing their best. It's easy to sit behind a digital screen and accuse people for not doing enough.

[@puneetkaursidhu233]

Love the way how young girls are enthusiastically responding to Michelle Obama... Beautiful ❤

[@HappyRinn]

Michelle Obama is ageless and comes across as a "real person" .... she is a true national treasure.

[@marykaylor7337]

absolutely

[@AndreaAth]

yeah what a treasure from a family of criminals

[@HappyRinn]

@@AndreaAth there is no proof of that. Unlike the Trump crime family. Lol

[@jeaninegibbonsart2939]

Big mike

[@hayleyfay4779]

​@@HappyRinn😂😂😂😂 amazing that you immediately compare michelle to trump. Something there-Id say😂😂😂😂❤

[@Scott-zh9xb]

Like a bojangles song 32 lovely nice years in the planning🥰

[@katiem6773]

Inspiring women doing great work!!!

[@haniamakram3399]

Michelle Obama commands attention incredibly. I can listen to her forever!

[@TheKimba1234]

What about helping stop child trafficking?

[@fatimaa3006]

How can one not care about child marriages? The things for which we have to convince people now a day is beyond comprehensible. Child safety, nutrition, education should be number 1 for all humans. When we as humans devalue children, we crush hope and optimism.

[@KristannaGarden]

These are the type pf women we need to get our inspiration from! These are the only type of influencers we need in the world!

[@abdulkoroma7109]

French, I think your push to end this God-forsaken societal problem is a blessing to the thousand girls at risk. Advocacy is key for a start and awareness raising to inform parents to understand that transacting these girls is a big loss and mistake to their family and future generations.

[@Tropicaluv]

This is so positive and good where women are empowered! You do not sell out little girls ...NO WHERE in the world.

[@ijkventure]

Where is Amal when it comes to Palestinians? 😞

[@bamu8328]

Where is she when it comes to child trafficking in the UK and US? Tainted soapbox targeting non-european culture, birth rates, and population control

[@Noonberry]

pleasee she is ONE person I'm sure she wants all the violence to stop as we all do

[@ijkventure]

@@Noonberry she's a lawyer for human rights. Do you know her history before Clooney?

[@UrbanFitMom]

What are YOU doing about it? How can YOU get involved and help?

[@ijkventure]

@@UrbanFitMom I am doing my part. Amal is a public figure with a larger influence. That is my point.

[@0000asdfasdf0000]

3 phenomenal women as 3 phenomenal role models for women. i myself are very privileged in that my parents, indian, highly educated, my mum was the pillar of our home and she wanted her daughters to get all that she couldn't.

[@alexbraz4255]

What an incredible project ! Congrats for the iniciative.

[@savedsole3848]

God Bless your mission. Long over due.

[@KanyaKanya-pj4qe]

Leave them alone

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

Hallelujah ♥️

[@persia888]

Yes we can do better. But can men???

[@thecrypto5340]

What about money? nobody talks about money to solve it

[@erakor9]

They are aware that child marriage is legal in almost every single us state right?

[@cay3688]

I don’t know the numbers but child marriage and child pregnancy is not only in Africa. In the US and in the UK too. Maybe in the UK their families don’t force the girls to marry but child pregnancy is a big issue and it is disgusting. It is due to different problems in every country.

[@shankarbalakrishnan2360]

It was over 25 yrs ago human indifference will exist

[@shashidutt5012]

Please stay away from Obama if you want even a semblance of normalcy in your life Melinda. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you. Your cause is noble but not your partner who seems very “sweet”

[@ilianacacabe4966]

Melinda❤ is the super heroe

[@latifapopal523]

Afghan women face the same problem. They are kept from going to school and caged at home.

[@rinawaller1830]

What a force and voice for the vulnerable girls around the world. Educate the men and include them in the discussion think that way the response would be greater. Gently approach their deranged brain and decode their thought process

[@Robin-no8cu]

I noticed that boys were included when they talked to students at the school.

[@huelyag.2399]

We want to see more of the women! Enough with the superficial influencers!!!

[@heatherross928]

No you couldn’t end anything. You don’t do anything now and you haven’t done anything before with all your power and money. Sounds nice Girls.

[@Anonymous-je6tl]

This is wat west has done, rampant drugs,arms, instability in africa. All their resources taken over, But "child marriage" is an issue they care for. West is the most evil civilisation that shows the world they care but they are really their to destroy the world

[@FATIMALjaić]

Što nijesu zaštitile one kod Epštajna,tu đe su im muževo išli fa se iživljavaju😮

[@marykaylor7337]

Sarah -how could you do this to my daughter?

[@KrishnaGupta-oq4fo]

still in india Child marriage is in rapid rise. recently one in Bihar was reported .

[@l-b284]

Does anyone else think Amal Clooney and Anne Hathaway look like they could be sisters?

[@carolthomas8528]

Are we still bringing this type of argument back to women’s appearance once again ?

[@naomikinyanjui2728]

Its like World bank and IMF saying that they will erradicate poverty... money will be eaten

[@roomarooma9108]

Mz Looney cloon why re you shutup about palestine

[@lourdesgreen2213]

All wonderful women!

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I do understand the issue here esp with children...but I also have trouble with Americans wanting to change the habits and culture of other countries and groups of people. This is like the Catholics coming to the American Indians and trying to change their religion, lifestyle and culture. What do these young girls and their families want? I am assuming the family sees this as a way that their daughter can eat and be safe vs starving?

[@luislopes806]

With great satisfaction I praise the work of the ladies in reducing social inequalities and Female Empowerment! I hope that other African countries receive your support and Financial contribution.

[@Geovanagodfrey2014]

I surely don't trust these three women..

[@9290SC]

So, is Amal a man too? 🤔 birds of a feather flock together

[@cheryl5667]

It's really girl marriage, but k. Don't even name it.

[@FatimaMarong-be8gj]

Michelle Obama 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@elainec5333]

This is nice of them but why do they turn a blind eye to what’s going on in certain other countries?

[@kas3966]

You have to create opportunities for those girls in a first place so they can support themselves or their families to be able to support them financially until they finish the full education. You can not just deal with the marriage aspect. Michelle, you were growing up in USA not African country. Those girls don’t have same opportunities like you

[@nadiamontalvo7822]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸 🍉🇵🇸🍉🇵🇸🍉🇵🇸

[@audreykennedy90]

To change that you need to change the culture of 3rd world countries and elevate womens' worth.

[@foz2071]

Michelle Obama 🥰

[@munajama5436]

Child marriage is an extremely sensitive topic but it can not be put off any longer as it affects the well-being of the entire society. However, I don't think using the age of 18 as the minimum age to be able to marry legally will work for many communities and every girl. There are girls who lose interest in education and who prefer just to marry at an early age. While discussing this topic and trying to solve this problem which literally destroys the future of many girls, we should not take away the right to choose from those girls who want to start their own families early. This is an extremely complicated issue as I don't think a 9 or 11 year old is mature enough to take on a huge responsibility as starting a family but a 16 yo can potentially do that if that is what she wants but counseling courses which prepare her for marital life should be compulsory so she will know what she is getting herself into and make an informed decision.

[@ioanafilipescu2327]

At 16 mature enough to become a mother??? The brain is not fully developed until 25. A 16 year old has CLEARLEY NOT the discernment to make that decision. Just because the body might be ready (at 16) dosen’t mean the mind and the soul are ready as well. A 16 year old’s place is in school, finishing her education. And after she finished her education, she has the means to decide wether she wants to start a family (now, having a basic education akka high school) or not. Plus, at 16 a girl with little interest in education might thinks she wants a family at 16 BUT later on when she realizez that because of her lack of education she can’t have financial independence, everything is owned by her husband, if he starts to turn violent or something she can’t go anywhere or do anything about it…she might regret the decision she made at 16!

[@munajama5436]

@@ioanafilipescu2327 What you are saying is absolutely true in some cultural contexts but not all. The problem with incriminating marriage before age 18 is that it focuses on the narrow narrative of children and teenagers before forced into marriage and having kids but not when they decide to have sex on their own which nowadays is way more common than the forced marriage scenario. Forcing ANYBODY into marriage is absolutely wrong and I support strict laws against it but if a teenager falls in love and wants to have sex with someone , they are more likely to have the support of their families if they do it within wedlock in some cultures. In other words, they are not suppressing their need to have sex (which many can't do anyway) and still finishing school and doing all the right things they are supposed to do because their families are there for them. In a nutshell, I think what needs to incriminated is forced marriage unless you have a way to prevent teenagers from having sex and children (btw teens don't take contraception very seriously in case you are thinking about that option). You know research findings are always prone to change about when the brain is fully developed but that is why I suggest training courses for teens who decide to get married so they will prepared. This is a very complicated matter and what is right for one culture will be very inappropriate for another so no progress will be made if we try to impose one viewpoint on the entire globe.

[@imnobodywhoareyouu]

Child predator detected

[@munajama5436]

@@imnobodywhoareyouu I am so sorry that you believe you are a nobody but I am not sure how does avoiding being overly paternalistic and allowing teens to marry, only and only if they want to, while providing as much support as possible make me a potential child predator?!!!! What about professionals who perform mastectomies, orchiectomoes, penectomies, etc on the underage? FYI, ppl can get out of marriages, give up children for adoption, go back to school at anytime, etc but they CAN never get back their removed body parts!!!!! I keep reiterating that this is a sensitive topic and solutions will vary according to the region and culture.

[@shivapejman8155]

@@ioanafilipescu2327you’re such a loser.

[@BBCWorldService]

Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 bbc.in/3VyyriM

[@kaylah9643]

You can't solve child marriage and child labor without solving everything as a package, the only reason this is happening is because the country's economy is not doing well, the average family can't survive and feed the child. They might end up starving to death without the "marriage" or "labor", that's just common sense.

[@AndreaAth]

you are right but they don't care. Projects like this are pure PR for these people.

[@kkpenney444]

You're not asking the right questions. Again, if this is the case, why not 'sell off' the boys as well? This is about the unjust devaluation of girls and women.

[@thecrypto5340]

Thank you I have been saying the same thing. Money solves problems…..

[@thecrypto5340]

@@kkpenney444you are missing the point in this conversation. Think critically.

[@kkpenney444]

@@thecrypto5340 I am. A multitude of studies show that nothing improves an economy more than investing in women and girls. These cultures place too little value on women to do so. Facts.

[@kangyun1985]

Impossible

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

do we need more people Melinda Sandusky , whoops

[@mbb2404]

This is what Meghan Markle is trying to do

[@Poltdrimt]

Do you know every year that goes by it has been 4 now I am closer to dying. I am not a celebrity I am a normal women who wants peace and out of the limelight. I do feel sorry for everyone who I'd preyed on by men I have had my share of guys doing this .. a gun pulled out in Florida why I don't like it there dudes from. CALIFORNIA PRETENDING TO Want a relationship dragging you along why I don't date is because I want peace. Amal you ladies outdo yourselves and your skill I chose yo be left alone no pictures shared of me without my permission on my phone or otherwise.

[@thecrypto5340]

Give these people opportunities and financial resources in place to make sure families will be able to taken care of. This will help to mitigate in child marriage. Money solves many problems. Remember that

[@nnder3217]

Palestine 😢😢😢😢😢 too

[@robdiv5848]

Say something about Gaza

[@kslucki]

Three biological men.

[@AndreaAth]

If that is not the trio from hell i don't know what it is.

[@dianahauzenberg6218]

Loony 😂

[@UzmaShah-uv3qz]

shame on they 3 women😏👎🏻

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

girls will you help my brilliance foundation , house the homeless ? Trump/ /?, bush /? 7, thanks Levi , I’ll learn to love again , morgan , can ya help me ?

[@RahulPatel-wn8gv]

Treasure-hunt expedition Melinda ? in a way yes, Jack, as we all kniw how abundantly mega rich Afrikan continent is in flora & fauna... the bio diversity is breath taking... & yet, do u really think Amal, Michelle & me hv too much time on our hands to while it away in purely selfish pleazure trips? off course not... absolutely ni doubt that u three divas are supremely inspired & motivated to bring abt a change, an scintillating electric positive metamorphosis, - moth to a butterfly - so to spk..... Indeed, Jack, this place we've targetted, chosen to focus upon, Malawi in particular, wracked by untold misery in lives of minor girl-kids in particular, is literally known as the "pearl of Afrika"... ie Uganda ? Yeeaah, Uganda abt 1000 miles away from Malawi... in the East afrka..... this region boasts of the 3rd largest fresh water lake in the world.... LMNN... it'll be easy for u to memorise, Jack... aaahh like the super G A MA M A corporations... let me make it very clear Jack... am friendly with Bill, but we're not friends anymore...! Uuhhh ? really doubt if u'd understand that, Jack... Spkng of "Pearls" reminds me of an exotic, diamond... from the Bollywood - tinseltown diva of early 70z, paired phenomenally succesfully withe then first Punjabi - superstar.. .. had migrated to Uganda, post her marriage to a Sind-business tycoon... however unfortunately she'd to scoot from Uganda to London... overnight... must be those terrible times of the Idi Amin dictatorship, Jack... soooh this L M N, N.. what's it standing for, Melinda? Lake malawi / Niassa / Nyasaa.... the 3 rd largest n deepest fresh water lake, containing, amazing bio diversity... thousand types /varieties of fishes... this lake is a busy transporting hub u see in this eastern part of S. Afrika... Mozambique, Tanzania..... Climate change wreaking havoc... as everywhere... moreso in Afrika... with the frequency increasing faster n faster of this lake drying up, than decades ago.... increasing poverty levels, with burgeoning population levels... agriculrure being the only economic activity... & increasing recessiinary trends leading to underage girls being plougged /impregnated...? Or is it the other way round...? Impoverishment, vicious poverty cycles... forcing the Africaese to resort to surrogacy... trading wombs... weaponising the fertile wombs... /transformed mercilessly into delivery vessels... from a very young age... to milk the delivery vessels... faster turniver /turnaround time..... Black Afrikanese... delivering... white kids...? isn't it cruelly gut wrenching, Jack... & with the long queue of touts, middle women lined up - line of agents..... milching the huma ie girl child delivery vessel.... absolutely ddisgusting degrading , cannibalistic economic activity..!!! Given the widespread all pervasive corfuption can any NGO, even one as big, influential & powerful as urs realky make a meanibgful impact, Melinda? True.... such deolorable grossly de.meaning inhumane activities cannot flourish & prosper w/o the govt /rulers, the institutions, tge elite society participitaing in it in a gung ho manner... yet can one really afford to loose hope... Jack..? Ur father was part of the aerospace engineers in launching the Apollo chalkenger III into space, wasn't he...? Am very oroud of him.. Jack... he belonged to a team of what we now refer to as "succesful loosers"... "succesful loosers"? u mean they lost, succesfully...? yeeaah.. did they not manage to save the crew, Jack...? Like father : like daughter... he explored the unknown space & u dive into the deepest waters, to save the flora & fauna, the mega rich bio diversity... literally n metaphorically... Good luck & good night Melinda...

[@brunasimone-hm8qq]

Michelle ?😂 Michael Le Von Robinson

[@beserman181]

she does not care if she did she would say something about gaza

[@quranfakeaasmanikitabhai4096]

Irrational fear if Islam is called 'Islamophobia' rational fear of Islam is called common sense

[@mokhachoka2918]

Your hatred for islam makes it grow.

[@Anonymous-je6tl]

Thank you for the Non-sense comment. Totally relevant to this video