Eighteen-year old Rahaf al-Qunun who fled from her home country of Saudi Arabia said that she hopes that her story gives other women the strength to be free.

Rahaf had fled Saudi Arabia claiming that her parents had threatened to kill her.

Rahaf gave her first interview since she was granted asylum, to ABC News. She said that she is finally free from the abuse and discrimination she faced in Saudi Arabia. Rahaf said that she now wants to live an independent life.

Rahaf noted that there a great number of women who want to flee Saudi Arabia. She said that she hopes that the women are inspired by her story and chooses to be "brave and free".

Rahaf had fled after traveling to Kuwait and had arranged to arrive in Australia via Thailand but was detained. The United Nations had sought asylum for Rahaf, which was answered by Canada. Rahaf has now started her new life in Canada.