I Am A Survivor: Overcoming Early Marriage in Rural Kenya

Girls deserve a childhood free from exploitation and violence. But every year, at least 12 million girls around the world are forced to enter early marriage — robbed of their education, freedom, and future.

In Kenya, where 23% of girls are married before the age of 18, the consequences are devastating: Thousands of girls are forced to leave school to become wives and caretakers, often enduring isolation and abuse.

GLOW Club member Jane is speaking out against this harmful cultural practice: standing up for the rights and dignity of girls in her community and challenging the norms that allow early marriage to persist.

Today, she shares her story, in her own words.

“I Am a Survivor.”

In the heart of Kajiado County in rural Kenya, where tradition tightly clings to the fabric of daily life, I, Jane, have emerged as a beacon of change. At the age of 15, I found myself challenging the foundations that dictated the roles of women in my community. 

I am a survivor. A young girl who was rescued from the clutches of early marriage, a practice that continues to affect girls in our society. 

I have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of child marriage. In a place where girls were raised to believe they were destined for a life confined to the roles of wife and mother, I discovered a world beyond the limitations of my upbringing. 

Girls in rural Kenya — where 23% of girls are married before the age of 18 — participate in a GLOW Club session.

My awakening came through a device foreign to my community: A smartphone. On this magical screen, I stumbled upon a film that would alter the course of my life forever: A Maasai woman, resolute and unyielding, spoke of the rights of girls, the urgency to break free from the chains of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the pervasive specter of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

It was a revelation, a glimpse into a reality that had been concealed from me and my peers. 

Fueled by newfound knowledge and armed with unwavering determination, I sought refuge and guidance from an organization called Cara Projects, a rescue center for girls, which introduced me to GLOW Club. Here, I found kindred spirits who believed in the transformative power of education and empowerment. 

“A Living Embodiment of Empowerment”

GLOW Club provided me with the tools I needed to navigate the complexities of my community and equipped me with the skills and courage to advocate for change.

Now, I stand at the forefront of a movement, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with adversity. I have become a living embodiment of empowerment: challenging the status quo that confined girls in my community to pre-defined roles. 

Through my journey, I have discovered the importance of amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced for generations. I have recognized the vital role that government leaders, policymakers, and communities play in supporting girls. I envision a future where these entities collaborate to dismantle the barriers that impede the progress of young girls. For me, the key lies in education — a tool that has the power to shatter the chains of ignorance and prejudice.

I believe that government leaders can implement policies that prioritize education for girls, ensuring equal opportunities and resources are allocated. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality and challenging harmful cultural practices, leaders can pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive society. 

There is a need for communities to actively participate in dismantling the oppressive structures that confine girls. By fostering an environment that encourages dialogue and challenges outdated norms, communities can become catalysts for change.

This is a call for unity: An effort to redefine the narrative surrounding the role of girls in society.

“I will continue to advocate for the creation of safe spaces where girls can express themselves without fear of judgment, fostering a sense of self-worth and empowerment.”

I envision a comprehensive support system as a critical resource that girls need to reach their goals — such as accessible education, mentorship programs, and healthcare facilities tailored to the needs of girls are essential components. I will continue to advocate for the creation of safe spaces where girls can express themselves without fear of judgment, fostering a sense of self-worth and empowerment.

I am an advocate for change. I will not tolerate child marriage being thought of as a norm. It is a thief of childhood, education, and dreams. It continues the cycle of poverty, inequality, and gender discrimination. 

I am here today to break that cycle and to be a voice for the millions of girls who are still trapped in this injustice. I am determined to be a girl advocate, to raise awareness, and to fight for the rights of every young girl who deserves a chance at a better life.

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Through our signature program, GLOW Club, we create safe, supportive spaces for girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas to connect with trusted mentors, develop the confidence to lead, and begin dreaming without limits. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of more than 100,000 girls — and we’re just getting started.