Payzee Mahmod is a survivor, advocate, and campaigner working to end harmful practices such as child marriage, forced marriage, and “honour”-based abuse. She uses her personal story, as a child bride and as the sister of Banaz Mahmod, who was tragically murdered in a so-called “honour” killing to fight for systemic change and justice for those most at risk.
Read about her incredible journey below:
Her journey into activism was born from deep personal pain. She was coerced into a child marriage at just 16, without understanding what that meant or having the freedom to say no. Her sister Banaz was killed at 20 after leaving an abusive marriage and seeking help that never came in time. Her death, and her own survival, became the catalyst for her mission: to ensure no other girl suffers in silence or is failed by the systems meant to protect her.
Payzee works alongside organisations such as IKWRO – Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) and Girls Not Brides, calling for legal reform and cultural change. Her advocacy played a role in the successful campaign to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 in England and Wales, a monumental achievement in child protection.
She has spoken in Parliament, at the United Nations, and on global platforms such as TED Talks, sharing the message that child marriage is not a cultural tradition, it’s a violation of rights. She echo IKWRO’s campaign slogan “Crime Not Culture” in her activism to highlight how so-called honour-based abuse must be treated as criminal, not excused or downplayed under cultural relativism.
On Challenges Faced :
Some of the challenges she has faced include overcoming stigma, navigating grief while fighting for justice, and pushing against deeply rooted societal norms. But I’ve also seen incredible change. Survivors are speaking up. Laws are changing. Awareness is growing.
Through her work, she aim to empower communities, educate policymakers, and inspire the next generation of activists. Advocacy is never easy — but every step we take towards justice saves lives.
Connect to Payzee Mahmod here, Instagram, LinkedIn
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