Sauti ya binti nguvu ya binti – The Voice of a Girl is Her Power

When Mercy* realised that her father had accepted a dowry of 2 bulls for her marriage, she desperately ran to Jeska’s house for help. Mercy met Jeska, the Champion Mother in her village, when she came to her school to train students on child rights. She also knew that she lived nearby in their village. For Jeska, becoming a Champion Mother in 2020, was a way for her to protect children in her rural village, who remain at high risk of child rights violations. Especially girls, like Mercy.

When they were young, Mercy and her 2 younger sisters, were subjected to female genital cutting (also known as female genital mutilation). It remains common in traditional communities, for girls as young as 5, despite the practice being illegal in Tanzania. Mercy’s family, like most in her Maasai community, are pastoralists. In tough times, like the recent drought, a dowry of money or livestock is deemed  more valuable than a daughter’s education.

‘When Mercy came to me, and explained her situation, I knew I had to act, and fast. Together with the Village Leaders, we went to Mercy’s house, to stop her father’s plans. We made it very clear that marrying off Mercy is illegal, and that he would be held accountable.’

Jeska, Champion Mother in Endakiso, one of two active So They Can Champions in the school community.

Since So They Can partnered with Endakiso Primary School in 2016, and started working with the school community, a key focus of our work has been raising awareness about the rights of children, and the importance of education. This year the school has over 800 children enrolled, and 47% are girls. So They Can’s community-based Champions are critical, because they work directly with families, community leaders and law enforcement, on the case management of child rights violations.

‘I can’t express how grateful I am for being able to continue with my studies. I feel grateful for Mother Jeska for fighting for my dreams, and for So They Can for raising awareness about the rights of us girls in our community. I am studying hard, and this year I was elected as the Head Girl of our school’s Student Council. I am determined, my dream is to become a teacher’.

Mercy, Grade 6 girl at Endakiso Primary School.

Jeska is a mother of 7 children, four are still school-age and attend Endakiso Primary and Secondary schools. She works in agriculture to support herself, and her family.

‘So They Can’s training has helped me, and my neighbours, stand up and become defenders of children’s rights. So it brings me great joy to succeed in cases like this, and for Mercy to continue her primary studies. I am looking forward to being witness to her fulfilling all of her dreams. I believe that her sisters will now be able to fulfil theirs, too’.

Jeska, Champion Mother.

Children at Endakiso Primary School in a information session with a Champion Mother.

In 2024, So They Can Tanzania has a network of 112 Champion Mothers and Fathers, who actively stop child marriage, and ensure that every girl, and boy, can continue their educational journey. You can read more about our Champions Network here.

*The name of the 14-year-old girl has been changed to Mercy for privacy and protection reasons.