Transforming Lives: Ending Child Marriage and Upholding Children’s Rights
In Tanzania, the prevalence of child marriage remains high, with 40% of girls married before their 18th birthday. A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that 37% of Tanzanian women aged 20-24 were married or in a union before reaching the legal age of 18, between 2000 and 2011. The alarming practice of child marriage extends to girls as young as age seven, as documented by Human Rights Watch.
At Asante Africa, we believe in the power of education to change lives, communities, and the world. But for many children, especially girls, the journey to education is obstructed by the harsh reality of child marriage. In this post we shed light on the stories of resilience against child marriage and highlight the crucial role of children’s human rights in creating a brighter future.
Child Marriage Stories: Voices of Hope and Resilience
Child marriage is a reality that affects millions of children worldwide. By sharing real-life stories of those who have escaped or are fighting against child marriage, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action. These stories reveal the courage and determination of young individuals who dare to dream of a life beyond societal constraints.
Meet Joyce
At thirteen years old, Joyce Lekishon Masiaya had dreams of serving her community as a medical doctor one day. Her aspirations of creating a positive impact were disrupted when her father announced her upcoming marriage to a 48-year-old man. The bride price was set at 120 liters of locally brewed alcohol and 20 liters of cooking oil.
Joyce was devastated and reported her father to the headmaster of her school, but was unable to persuade her father to reconsider. Joyce was married, and her first night in her husband’s home was marked by physical and sexual abuse.
Joyce managed to escape the following day. Due to the training and skills Joyce had received previously from Asante Africa’s Wezesha Vijana Program, she knew where to get help and who to consult.
Joyce’s father has since been arrested. After a thorough medical checkup, Joyce was declared fit for studies and enrolled in boarding school. She is currently in the process of turning her dream of becoming a doctor into a reality.
Meet Naserian
Naserian comes from a family with limited financial resources, and her father’s struggle with alcoholism has led to many difficulties for her. She has been exposed to the threat of premature marriage and was also pressured towards undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM), a severe infringement on the rights of girls. Facing these adverse circumstances that compromise the principles of gender equality, Naserian sought shelter with her primary school teacher, following the assistance provided by the Asante Africa Foundation.
When the scholarship team picked Naserian up from school during the holidays and brought her to the rescue home, she expressed:
“My parents separated because my father struggled with alcohol addiction and mistreated my mother, both physically and emotionally. He also insisted on my early marriage and disapproved of my education. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Asante Africa for supporting me. Your generous assistance and commitment to providing me with a quality education and a safe home is helping me pursue my dreams.”
The Pillar of Children’s Human Rights
Children’s human rights are the fundamental rights that all children are entitled to, regardless of their race, nationality, gender, religion, or any other status. These rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international treaty that has been ratified by almost all countries in the world.
The UNCRC defines the rights of children in five broad categories:
The right to survival and development
This includes the right to life, the right to a name and nationality, the right to food, water, shelter, and health care, and the right to education.
The right to protection
This includes the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect, and the right to be protected from exploitation and trafficking.
The right to participation
This includes the right to express one’s views freely and to have those views taken seriously, the right to participate in decision-making that affects one’s life, and the right to freedom of association and assembly.
The right to non-discrimination
This means that all children should be treated equally, regardless of their race, nationality, gender, religion, or any other status.
The right to the best interests of the child
This means that all decisions and actions affecting children should be made in the best interests of the child.
Here are some specific things that can be done to protect children’s rights:
Educate children about their rights.
Support organizations that work to protect children's rights.
Speak out against violence and abuse against children.
Hold governments accountable for their commitments to children's rights.
Your Donation for Kids Can Make a Difference
Asante Africa Foundation’s work has a profound impact on the lives of children and youth in rural East Africa. By providing access to education, vocational training, and mentorship, we aim to help uphold the rights of young people through education and resources.
Your donation for kids can directly support our efforts to empower children and youth in rural East Africa. Your generosity will help provide scholarships, school supplies, teacher training, and other essential resources to children in need.
How You Can Help
In addition to donating, there are many other ways you can support our work and help children in rural East Africa:
Volunteer
Spread the Word
Tell your friends and family about our work and encourage them to support our mission.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and youth in rural East Africa. Please consider making a donation for kids today. Your generosity can change a child’s life.
Join the Movement
Together, we can create a world where child marriage is a thing of the past, and every child enjoys their right to education and a life of possibilities. Your support, whether through donations, advocacy, or spreading awareness, is invaluable in our mission to empower the next generation.
Join us in this movement, and let’s transform lives, one child at a time.
