Investing in Girls is Investing in a Generation

Meet an outstanding young girl who serves as the spokesperson for the Shashogo District Child Parliament. Kasech is an 18-year-old schoolgirl in 12th grade.

Where she was born and grew up, girls confront several challenges, including genital mutilation and early marriage, which have hampered their progress in life. Parents decide on their daughters' early marriage. Sometimes females decide to marry at an early age. Girls' dreams are influenced by their community's culture. Marriage is regarded as one of the most essential achievements that a female must complete in her life. The family's cultural beliefs became the girls' most important dream, exceeding all others.

All of the girls' struggles and tragic experiences were intolerable and a source of pain for Kasech, and she believed that it had to come to an end. She was heartbroken to see girls being abused. "I was aware of abuses committed against other girls my age, but I was unable to defend or advocate for them. I was heartbroken for failing to protect them," she admits regrettably.

Her great desire to protect her peers and children made her anxious. She then learned about how World Vision is partnering with children in the child parliament in her hometown, which is working to raise children's understanding of child protection issues. She subsequently became a member of parliament to gain the necessary capacity to achieve her lofty aspirations. "Being a member of the child parliament gave me tremendous knowledge and experience that equipped me to fight for girls' rights. It made me become a spokesperson for women who have faced various forms of violence," she proudly remarks.

Kasech has saved several girls from early marriage and female genital mutilation. She educates fellow girls about the risks of genital mutilation and early marriage at her school, at home, and in Sunday schools. 20 of the girls she addressed were spared from genital mutilation, while 30 girls' marriages were cancelled. "Being a member of Parliament helps me support and advocate for girls' academic and personal achievements. This makes me feel good, and it motivates me to do more,’’ Kasech explains her aspiration.

Abigael*, a 17-year-old grade 12 student, was one of the village girls who followed Kasech's advice and cancelled the intended early marriage. She says, "I assumed that marrying early was cultural, and acceptable practice. It earned respect from my parents and the community. "I accepted the marriage proposal at a young age and was about to marry," she regrettably recalls.

Abigael* proudly shared this information with Kasech. "When I told Kasech about this, she became upset with me. She informed me of the physical, mental, and psychological consequences of getting married early. The consequences were long-lasting and severe. I dropped the marriage proposal following her advice. Had I married, I would not have been able to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer," she thankfully witnesses.

Abigael* has spent the remainder of her life campaigning for girls' rights and raising community awareness about the consequences of early marriage and other forms of violence. "The changes I've seen in the children's lives have inspired me to pursue my goals. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, vulnerable children for the rest of my life," she cheerfully declares.

*The name has been changed to protect the identity.

By Hilina Hailu, Communications Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia