03: How a 17-Year Old Child-Bride Escaped Abuse & Rose to a Best Selling Author // The Story of Samra Zafar
Background:
Samra Zafar is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, consultant, educator, and social entrepreneur who advocates for equity, inclusion, and human rights. Her book, A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose, became an instant bestseller and was named as a 2019 Book of the Year for Canadian Nonfiction by the CBC. It is now being published internationally and adapted to a TV series.
Samra has spoken on dozens of stages, including at TEDx, Yale University, UNICEF, Amnesty International, Art of Leadership, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as well as for many corporations, universities, and nonprofits. In 2019, Samra was recognized as one of Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women ” and as a “Top 25 Canadian Immigrant”.
Time-Stamped Show Notes:
- 1:23 Eric gives a brief description of Samra and her amazing achievements.
- 4:21 Samra talks about having that inner strength and not giving up.
- 9:10 Two pivotal moments stood out in Samra’s life, which prompted her to finally take control of her life and take positive actions.
- 14:12 After moving out and leaving her ex-husband, she did things to make ends meet and make everything work out.
- 19:09 Her book is a bestseller and is being turned into a film. Samra also tells the story about her upcoming second book and how she was able to write it with her daughter.
- 25:15 From conflict to writing a book together, Samra and her daughter has strengthened their relationship with each other through learning and acceptance.
- 27:17 While in a group therapy, Samra’s daughter suddenly experiences a panic attack.
- 30:33 Raising awareness against child marriage and violence against women is Samra’s lifelong mission.
- 36:18 Being an author is one of the best experiences in her life. She also enjoys doing book club conversations.
- 37:38 Based on her own experience, Samra explains why women stay in an abusive relationship.
- 39:30 According to Samra, thousands of child marriages are happening today in North America.
- 45:14 She talks about how sharing her story to the world and starting a mentorship program has affected other people in a very positive way.
- 50:18 Samra shares her perception of what power really means to her.
This Episode Sponsored By:
- 18:02 At the age of 17, Eric thought he was going to jail for a long time but there were people who helped him get back up again. Please check out Eric’s book to find out more about his entire story. You can download a FREE Copy of the intro and prologue at EricGilbertWilliams.com/Book-By-Eric/.
- 33:49 Please remember to share this episode and share the love. Also, remember to pick up a copy of Samra’s book in Amazon entitled A Good Wife by Samra Zafar. You can also check out her website at SamraZafar.com.
Key Point from the Interview:
- “Power looks like empowering others. That’s what real power is. It’s not about leadership or hierarchies or titles or number of awards on your shelf, or amount of money in your account. It’s about how you’re touching other people. How you’re making a difference and what legacy are you leaving behind.”
