International Day of the Girl

International Day of the Girl - Stop Early Marriage - CHASE Africa's Heroes of the Month! 

Today is the very first time that girls have been recognised for their importance worldwide - by the UN has supported the establishment of this special day. Women yes have been recognised - but not girls. Not till now. 

There has been a great response from media worldwide - grassroots organisations right up to international aid agencies - sharing their stories on the sheer importance that girls have today. Alongside inspirational stories of special achievements and testimonials from girls who have accomplished so much - there have been far too many sad accounts of the struggles that girls still face today - both in developing countries, but also in our 'own back yard' here in the UK. 

I wanted to share my own personal experiences from my work in Kenya - and one experience in particular that motivates me to continue working for girls rights. 

In Kenya among the Maasai tribe - girls are 'sold' into early marriage soon after they pass through the rite of circumcision. Most have no option in the matter - and it has now become the 'normal' thing for school girls to do. There are complex social and tribal traditions intertwined with this rite of passage - all slightly different as you move around Kenya and visit different Maasai communities. But overall, circumcision is the rite of passage from childhood into womanhood - and is traditionally the time where girls are viewed as ready for marriage. However, the girls are often as young as 10 years old when they are circumcised - and their potential new husband is an old man of 60 years! Even though being circumcised is seen as the normal thing to do - on closer inspection - I have found that the girls really don't know what they are signing up to - as the whole subject is still very taboo. it is something they are very often forced into - both the circumcision and the marriage. The parents are keen to 'marry off' their daughters - as they receive a very large dowry from their prospective son-in-law. The girl has no say - and is bought and sold almost like an animal. 

The consequences of refusing circumcision and marriage are so great that many girls feel it is the only way. If they do not agree to circumcision or marriage - they can be thrown out of the village and family home and left to fend for themselves. Maasai boys are taught that girls must be circumcised and are not willing to marry an uncircumcised girl. 

However there is a way forward - EDUCATION!

Through my work with CHASE - we have partnered with Mama Eve (featuring earlier in my blog!) and have expanded our anti-FGM campaign to even more rural schools in south Kenya. The plan - to educate both boys and girls on what FGM is - what can happen to the girl after FGM - and what her future would be like. Alongside this we empower the boys and girls to stay in school. Alongside this Mama Eve offers counselling to parents of girls who refuse FGM - and try to make them understand her decision.

Following our campaign this summer we have found our CHASE Africa Heroes of the Month!

These 5 girls (in the photo above) have stood up to their parents - and said NO to circumcision. So far they are the only girls in their class to say no. But, they are determined to stay in school. They are determined to finish High School. They are determined to educate themselves. They are determined to stand up for their rights as girls. 

But this has not been easy - some of their parents have refused to care for them - thrown them out of the family home - refused to provide food and clothing for them - but they have stood strong. They are all below the age of 16 years. Having this type of conviction at such a young age is truly remarkable and these girls should stand as an inspiration for other girls out there suffering silently, scared at the prospect of having to undergo FGM. 

Happy International Day of the Girl Child!