In 2020, UNICEF reported that the world was making inroads against child marriage, with an acceleration of progress in the previous 10 years. Tragically, the pandemic's ripple effects have hit the most vulnerable the hardest. And now it is estimated that 10 million more girls are at risk of becoming child brides in the next decade.
The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) released a policy brief highlighting these five evidence-based strategies to delay or prevent child marriage:
Empower girls with information, skills and support networks
Provide economic support and incentives to girls and their families
Educate and rally parents and community members
Enhance girls’ access to a high-quality education
Encourage supportive laws and policies
As a child-focused organization deeply committed to women and girls, World Vision understands that ending this practice is complex. Our approach is multi-faceted. And it's working.
World Vision: Big Dream becoming Reality
Look at the photo at the top of this newsletter. Really look.
What do you see?
A little girl dreaming of her graduation day. A much older man, offering the girl's parents money to marry her. And the parents believing that her future is worth more than the bride price.
Change. Progress. Hope.
Through the Kenya Big Dream (KBD) project, World Vision is working with communities to replace long-held cultural practices with new knowledge, increased access to education, and realistic economic alternatives. This kind of shift takes time. But with a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes, it can be done. It is being done.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a precursor to marriage in some cultures, is a centuries-old practice; a rite of passage for young girls. But Moses Chepkonga, the program manager for KBD reports that in just 10 years, the prevalence of FGM went from 95% down to less than 10% in Chepareria, West Pokot. Centuries versus one decade.
If you'd like to be part of this effort, give to the Strong Women Strong World™ Fund so that she can marry when and who she chooses. All donations to this fund between July 1 and September 30 will directly support the Kenya Big Dream project.
“In 1999, the prevalence rate of FGM was over 95% in the Chepareria area of West Pokot. Today, it’s less than 10%.”
—Moses Chepkonga, Kenya Big Dream
program manager (pictured above)
Join World Vision'sGlobal Moment to End Child Marriage July 13 - 22.
Singing in the Dark: by Dan Berggren
9,000 miles. That’s the distance between Seattle, WA (my home) and Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a long, long way. Yet somehow, Kenya feels like it’s right next door.
In 2017, I traveled to Kenya to see lives impacted through the Kenya Big Dream – a project designed to end child marriage and FGM.
After a long day in West Pokot County, we drove up a mountain to visit the village of Mtelo before nightfall. The result of the slow climb and the late hour caused us to arrive late and in the dark. It was absolute pitch black like I’ve never experienced.
What happened next was a testament of God’s grace and love for the people of Mtelo. As we were nearing the village, we heard something faint at first. In the dark, we could not have anticipated what was coming next.
The entire community was waiting for us in the darkness of the night … and they were singing! Singing about the love and importance World Vision had shown to their daughters.
Singing of the positive change in their community due to the decrease of child marriage and FGM. We opened the windows and shared in their joy!
Addressing the root causes of child marriage and FGM (tradition, extreme poverty and education) in Mtelo and other communities in Kenya is working.
It’s been life-changing to know that I, along with the generosity of so many World Vision donors, am making a difference in the lives of a small hilltop community through the Kenya Big Dream. I’ll never forget that experience. Ever.
Dan Berggren is a product marketing leader for key sectors of World Vision’s work including the Kenya Big Dream. He was also a producer for the award-winning documentary short film, Messania's Story.
Dan's view from the vehicle as they approached the Mtelo community to find women, men, and children singing, dancing, and celebrating.
It's not too late to register for our July 21st
virtual event: Made to THRIVE
The purpose of this event is to officially launch World Vision's new Economic Empowerment Business Plan: THRIVE 2030.
Speakers include: Cheryl Ryan, Robin Phillips, and Sherrie Woodring - all Strong Women Strong World Council members, as well as Chris Shore, Mona Davies, Bruce Ravesloot, and Kaitlin McGarvey.
This is a great opportunity to introduce friends and colleagues to World Vision's work in economic empowerment, especially on behalf of women. Hope you can join the other 300 people who have already registered!
Raise awareness | Help us inform more people about the obstacles women and girls in the developing world face and inspire them to take action. You can engage with our posts on Facebook and Instagram,or forward this newsletter to someone you think would appreciate it.
Use your influence | Will you help us get a new act introduced in the House and Senate to help end violence against children, including FGM and child marriage? Learn more and add your voice quickly and easily on the WV Advocacy site. Thank you!
Invest in women and girls | Now you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!Every $1 given to the Strong Women Strong World™ Fund will be matched* with a $1 donation to programs that empower women and girls, thanks to our generous SWSW partner, Clean Water Here.
In 2021, 90 percent of World Vision's total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. Learn More.
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