“Preventing Early Child Forced Marriage, Ethiopia” Photo by Christian Aid Ireland

June 2014.  June 2014, Yabello, Ethiopia

Bokiya Gooloo and Elema Dulacha.

Bokiya was 13-years-old when her elder sister was tragically killed. Her family told Bokiya that she was to marry her sister’s elderly widower. When she refused, they stripped her of her clothes and took away her soap. Knowing that the law around early marriage had been changed, Bokiya walked naked to the home of Elema in search of protection. With her help, the marriage was prevented and Bokiya is able to continue her education. But more than that, she has become an inspiration to other young girls in the community who are at risk of early marriage. And like Elema, she is campaigning for change.

Elema’s daughter was just 12-years-old when married a man in the village. A few years later she died during a difficult childbirth. ‘At that time there was no education’, Elema told us. ‘It was a proud thing if you managed to give your girl away early.’ In the years since and as a result of education around early marriage, Elema has not only changed her own mind about the practice, but is changing the minds of her community. She’s a rabble rouser, campaigning for change. And it’s thanks to her efforts and the work of Christian Aid partner HUNDEE that 13-year-old Bokiya, and others like her, have been prevented from marrying.
 
Hundee carry out community education which led directly to the traditional authorities creating three new laws which will transform women’s lives: no fgm; no child marriage and no excessive drinking.
They help the community identify the poorest women and give them cows and goats, this gives them an income and makes them a full member of the community.
They set up self-help groups for these women who then meet once a week and save a small amount of money, also borrowing money to start up small businesses. At the group meetings they learn their rights, maths and literacy.
Lives are transformed: the way that women are seen and see themselves is starting to ch