I am a survivor. A survivor who was silenced by Unchained at Last, an organization that should have been my ally. Earlier this year, they attempted to control the narrative I was allowed to deliver in one of their press conferences. When I approached Freidy Reiss, the founder of Unchained at Last, hoping for understanding and a better plan for the future, I was ignored.

This is not just about me; it's about all survivors whose voices are being stifled. It's estimated that millions of people worldwide are victims of forced marriages every year (UNICEF). Organizations like Unchained at Last should be amplifying our voices not muting them.

We need Freidy Reiss and her organization to recognize our experiences as valid and essential parts of the conversation surrounding forced marriages. We demand respect for our narratives as survivors - narratives that can inspire change and help others in similar situations feel less alone.

It's time for Freidy Reiss to listen. It's time she recognizes that we survivors have important stories to tell - stories that deserve respect rather than censorship.

Please sign this petition demanding Freidy Reiss acknowledge the importance of survivors' voices in combating forced marriages.

I am willing to remove this petition if Freidy will come to the table and discuss a more sensitive and constructive way to work with survivors moving forward. We must acknowledge we have ALL been through significant trauma and bills such as this bring about both emotion and healing.