Whispers of rescue: A story of a Maasai girl snatched from the jaws of child marriage
Story by Esther Chidodolo, Donor Liaison Officer - World Vision Tanzania
It is hot and dry as one approaches Same district in northern Tanzania. The scorching sun has turned almost all the trees gold in Zumbe secondary school compound. Approaching the school, one can easily notice boys roaming around while it takes a minute to spot girls in the compound. The host explains that in a Maasai community boys are given a privilege to go to school more than girls.
Einot (not real name) a sixteen year old is a Maasai girl who has escaped child marriage with the help of her mother, World Vision and the local government. ”I am still young and I deserve to go to school and become myself first” says Einot almost whispering when asked why she chose school over marriage.
Einot is a little shy and looks down as she is narrating her story, the story of survival that not many Maasai girls live to tell. She continues to tell that the most painful thing was how her father responded when he found out that she passed her grade seven and was selected for secondary school education.
“He was furious and told me that primary school education was all I needed and that I should be married off. I though my brother would help me but surprisingly he also supported it. At this point I knew it was over and my hope was gone” says Einot with her eyes fixed on the wall.
According to Einot her brother informed the school administration that Eliot would not be able to join the school as she was suffering from some sickness. To make sure that the girl does not see school doors, Einot’s brother faked documents that showed Einot was suffering from sickle cell and needed medical attention.
It was until World Vision visited Einot’s family for sponsorship monitoring when Einot’s mother who was exposed to World Vision’s anti-child marriage campaign revealed the evil plan. Einot’s mother reported that her daughter was being forced to get married.
“They wanted to marry her off as soon as possible. But I felt safer telling World Vision about my daughter because they always educate us on effects of child marriage” says Einot’s mother.
World Vision worked with the local government and the school to make sure that Einot went to school. The local government leaders accompanied by World Vision Staff and local anti-child marriage champions visited Einot’s family and ordered for Einot to be taken to school as soon as possible. They also educated the family on how child marriage threatens the future of girls.
Even after all the efforts, Einot’s father said he cannot afford to pay for her daughter’s secondary education. Her mother borrowed money and was able to buy her school uniforms and took her to school. World Vision supported Einot with school supplies to help her studies.
Things did not go so well for Einot’s mother. Einot’s mother says she was beaten by her husband several times having refused to support Einot’s marry off. Einot has survived child marriage which her mother calls it a ‘prison’. “A Maasai woman is like a prisoner under her husband and I don’t want Einot to have that experience” Explains Einot’s mother
Einot represents thousands of girls who are married off every year in Tanzania only to face a problem that not only harms each child but jeopardizes their future survival, health and education. Although Einot was rescued, she is still not safe since her father may have not given up.
“We will have to work with the government to monitor her progress and make sure that Einot is safe. We also know that her mother is facing threats from the husband. As Einot is in boarding school, we are not sure what will be awaiting for her at home when she goes back. ”. Says Tumaini Labani, Area Program Manager for World Vision Tanzania
World Vision Tanzania is implementing an anti-child marriage campaign in Tanzania with the goal of eliminating child marriage in the areas of operation. The organization engages various stakeholders including the government, community members, religious leaders and other partners in education and advocacy to make sure that girls and boys are free from child marriage. According to Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2015, 31% of girls between the age of 20-24 get married before 18 years. This is a problem within most of regions in Tanzania including those in which World Vision Tanzania operates.
In 2017, sixteen (16) Child Marriage incidents and 14 teenage pregnancy incidents were reported and handled by Children and Women Protection Committees in different areas of operation.