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Payzee Mahmod, a resilient force for change, emerges from a past marked by profound adversity, transforming her personal tribulations into a powerful advocacy for the rights of women and children. Born into a Kurdish family in Iraq, Payzee’s early life was tragically disrupted when she became a victim of the harrowing practice of child marriage at the tender age of 16.
Surviving the oppressive environment of a child marriage, Payzee found her voice through adversity. Fuelled by an unyielding determination to prevent others from enduring similar torment, she transcended her circumstances to become an unwavering advocate for survivors of violence and child marriage.
Payzee’s journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit and resilience. She embarked on a quest for justice and empowerment through speaking up and has steadily navigated her way in to campaigning and activism.
A beacon of hope for those who have suffered in silence, Payzee Mahmod led the campaign to ban child marriage in England Wales, and raise the minimum age of marriage from 16 to 18. Her work extends beyond borders, resonating internationally, as she tirelessly campaigns for legal reforms and policy changes to protect children and girls locally, nationally and globally.
What sets Payzee apart is her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors and challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence. Through her compelling storytelling and poignant advocacy, she brings to light the hidden struggles of survivors, breaking the silence that shrouds their experiences.
As an accomplished speaker, Payzee Mahmod engages audiences with her personal narrative, offering profound insights into the complexities of child marriage and violence against women. Her presentations are a potent blend of lived experiences and a fervent call to action, urging communities, policymakers, and individuals to join the fight against these deeply entrenched injustices.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Payzee Mahmod has received numerous accolades, becoming a respected figure in the global movement against child marriage and violence. She serves as an Obama European Leader and has been named the UK’s Global Citizen Prize Award Winner in 2022. Her story is not just one of survival but an inspiring narrative of triumph over adversity, fuelling her relentless pursuit of a world where every child is free from the harms of child marriage.
