Sharmin Akter has received 2017 International Women of Courage (IWOC)

Sharmin Akter, a Bangladeshi young activist against early and forced marriage, has received 2017 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award from US First Lady Melania Trump and the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A Shannon. At only 15 years of age, Sharmin Akter courageously resisted her mother's attempts to marry her off and secured the precious right to continue her education, setting a bright example for teenage girls across South Asia facing similar pressures

Sharmin Akter recieving award from US First Lady Melania Trump Source: Getty Images