Problem

While people in some countries live in the reality of arranged marriages more than others, those living in Sweden are not exempt from this issue. Through research it conducted in 2008, Ungdomsstyrelsen (Youth Board) found that approximately 70,000 youths between 16-25 years old feel that they are not free to choose who to marry. More broadly, many parents are not allowing their children to make life decisions on their own, and their communities are teaching them to accept this reality. As a result, not only are these children forced to make decisions they do not agree with, but also they often lack confidence, knowledge of their rights, and connection to society.

Solution

Personal experiences led Arkan to start Right 2 Choose, an organization that uses language and culture to educate young people about understanding the world around them. This includes helping them find their place in the world, express their personality, and understand which rights are theirs.

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