25-year-old Rifca Stanesca became the youngest grandmother in the world 2 years ago, according to The Sun. When she was 12 years old she gave birth to her daughter, Maria after running off to marry her husband, Ionel Stanescu at the age of 11. Maria was born a year after their marriage.
Rifca says she encouraged Maria to stay in school and not follow in her footsteps but the 10-year-old chose to get married and had her son, Ion a year later. "I am happy to be a grandmother but wished more for Maria."
According to Rifca getting married young is a tradition in the Romanian gypsy culture. Virginity is greatly valued and children are promised from a young age so that the new husband's family can be sure that she is a virgin, who can expect good dowries.
Maria's 2-year-old son Ion, is already engaged says Rifca: "Ion is a good boy - and he is already engaged to a girl aged 8. Boys are always good to have - they don't have to suffer as much girls I think."
Is a 12-year-old ready to be a mother?
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