Main content

The runaway child bride who changed a village

At 15, Dorcas Zoogah ran away from home in Ghana to avoid marriage. The first in her family to go to university, she now helps other young women break the cycle of child marriage

The stories of two women who know how to put up a good fight.

Dorcas Zoogah was raised in a small village in rural Ghana where child marriage was the norm. Her mother was married off as a child, and all her elder sisters were expected to follow the same fate. But when Dorcas turned 15, she made a daring decision - to reject tradition and run away from home. Supported by her mother, Dorcas became the first in her family to attend university and would go on to help other young women get an education, breaking the cycle of child marriage. Through her work and determination, Dorcas has earned the respect of her community and family, who all now look up to her as a role model. Dorcas is now a social activist and part of the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign.

Growing up, Paola Diana suffered at the hands of her domineering father. Years later, her trauma fuelled her determination to fight for women's equality as a political lobbyist in Italy. More recently, she's taken her battles to the martial arts mat, in her 40s unexpectedly becoming a champion in Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Presenter: Asya Fouks

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

(Photo: Dorcas Zoogah. Credit: Dorcas Zoogah)

Available now

41 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Thu 6 Apr 2023 11:06GMT
  • Thu 6 Apr 2023 17:06GMT
  • Thu 6 Apr 2023 21:06GMT
  • Fri 7 Apr 2023 02:06GMT

Contact Outlook

Contact Outlook

Info on how we might use your contribution on air

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected