Stolen Childhoods: Breaking Free from Forced Marriage in Kenya

World Challenge offers a lifeline of hope for desperate Kenyan girls facing forced child marriage, rescuing them from devastating abuse and suffering.

When she was only 11 years old, Asilia’s education was abruptly cut short when she was pulled out of school in her remote Kenyan village. She soon learned that her father had a devastating plan to marry her off to a 60-year-old man (old enough to be her grandfather). Even though she desperately wanted out of the marriage, Asilia’s family had other plans to convince her to marry.

Her father, eager to receive a dowry from her soon-to-be husband, beat Asilia with help from her brothers until she lost consciousness. She still has the scars from this terrible beating. With no other option, Asilia married and spent three years in an abusive relationship.

After learning she had become pregnant at age 14, Asilia knew she had to do something to protect herself and, more importantly, her unborn baby. Asilia made her escape and ran miles, alone, across land home to snakes, hyenas and other dangers.

UNICEF reports that around 12 million girls are forced into marriage annually. In Kenya, where Asilia lives, at least 23% of girls are married before they turn 18, and those are only instances that are reported. The result? Many girls lose their education, their futures, and often face ongoing suffering.

Through God’s mercy, Asilia connected with a local pastor. When he heard what was happening, he thought immediately of one of World Challenge’s partners, Agape Hope Children’s Center. It is a home to over 100 children while also providing meals and education to over 300 more. Without their help, these children would likely live on the streets or face even worse dangers, leading to a lifetime of suffering.

Sadly, Asilia lost her baby, but thanks to much-needed help from our partner, she is back in school, graduating soon, and God has moved her heart to help other girls trapped in the tragedy of child marriage in Kenya. With her painful experiences behind her, but still bearing the physical and emotional scars of trauma, she is eager to help those victimized by the perils of forced child marriage, while also being able to share the love of Jesus. Now living in a home where she is valued and loved, Asilia has hope for her future.

God’s heart breaks for children like Asilia. He is calling his people to make a difference.

Without the help of generous donors like you supporting our efforts, children like Asilia, have little choice, accepting forced marriage as a harsh way of life.

God’s heart breaks for children like Asilia. He is calling his people to make a difference. Will you consider a gift in support of World Challenge efforts in Kenya and beyond? While the number of forced marriages in the world is staggering, we know God has called his people to rescue girls like Asilia in every nation we can reach. Together, we can change their lives and offer hope, help, and the love of Jesus.