NAWI : Let's end early child marriage in Africa

Update: Rescuing Girls from Early Marriage in Turkana

Submitted by: Startup Lions

Overview

In Turkana, the harmful practice of early child marriage continues to threaten the future of many young girls. It is a deeply rooted tradition where girls as young as 9 years old are sold into marriage, often before they complete their primary education. This practice not only denies them their right to education but also robs them of their childhood and dreams.

Thanks to your generous support through GlobalGiving, we have made significant progress in our mission to protect and empower these girls.

What We've Done So Far

• Construction of Rescue Classrooms:
  We have begun building dedicated classrooms that serve as safe spaces for girls at risk of early marriage. These classrooms will offer them the opportunity to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. This is a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and harmful traditional practices.

• Raising Awareness through Film – The NAWI Movie:
  We are using storytelling as a powerful tool to spark change. Through the production of NAWI, a locally developed film, we are bringing the conversation about early child marriage into the public eye. This film is opening up community dialogue and helping people understand the long-term damage early marriage causes to girls, families, and the community as a whole.

Impact

• Rescue and Enrollment: A growing number of girls are being identified and given the chance to continue their education instead of being married off.

• Community Sensitization: Screenings and discussions around NAWI have begun to shift attitudes and spark conversations within families and villages.

• Increased Demand for Support: More families are expressing interest in keeping their daughters in school, highlighting the growing need for more rescue centers and classrooms.

What’s Next

• Complete Construction of Classrooms: We are working to finish the classrooms and equip them with desks, learning materials, and hygiene products.

• Expand the NAWI Campaign: We aim to reach more communities with the film and involve local leaders and parents in discussions about the value of girls’ education.

• Provide Ongoing Support: This includes psychosocial support, mentorship, and essential supplies for the girls.

Thank You

Your donations are making a real difference. You are not just funding classrooms or a film — you are giving young girls the chance to dream, to grow, and to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

Together, we are rewriting the story for Turkana girls.

Links:

• https://www.startuplions.org