Two Little Girls, Two Very Different Stories

Ahead of International Day of the Girl Child this Friday, World Vision's Claire Bardell wanted to share her reaction to just one of the many stories of child marriage that we hear all too often. A mother herself, Claire reflects on how this particular story made her rethink her own daughter's hopes and dreams for the future. 

By Claire Bardell,  Field Resources Coordinator

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin...

I’d like to share with you about two little girls who are on my mind. Actually the first is my little girl. She is six years old and she loves fairy tale princesses. She wants to be one, to dress like one, to live in a palace and marry a Prince Charming. When she’s 16 – like the princesses. I’m not crazy about that last part, and I try to lightly direct her away from putting an age on marriage. She’ll grow out of it though. Before I know it she’ll be in the ‘boys smell’ stage and long may that last.

Today I read the words of another little girl named Esther*. She is 12 years-old – just on the outer limits of where I can imagine my daughter. Esther does not dream of Prince Charming. Esther lives in Sierra Leone and Esther has already been married.

She has no mother to guide her into womanhood (which ought to still be a long way off). She has an Aunty. An Aunty tasked with her care. An Aunty who accepted the proposal and payment of a man older than Esther’s father, when Esther was only 11 years-old. 

Esther’s wedding day was no fairy tale ceremony with beautiful clothes and music. Money was exchanged and that same day Esther was taken to live in the man’s home. On the wedding night, Esther was held down by her new husband's mother while he raped her.

11 years-old. Married. Raped. Living with a man older than her father and his mother – accomplice to the assault. You may be sitting a little less comfortably now. I know I am. I can’t help but think of my precious little girl. Home. Playing. Safe. 

However, this is where Esther’s tale twists.

Recovery

The experience of that night, and others, left Esther physically damaged and very ill. Eventually she ran back to her Aunty. The woman who gave her away was her only hope. Her Aunty has taken Esther back in and got her the medical attention she needs.

Esther has not been rescued by a Prince Charming. She’s not even interested in that. A year on, her 12 year-old aspirations are more down-to-earth. 

“I am not dreaming of getting married now, because I just want to go back to school and better my life. If I can’t go to school then I’ll be involved in a trade or job training before thinking of getting married again in the future.”

In my eyes Esther is amazing. She had the strength and capacity to change her situation, and now has thoughts of a future.

No 11 year-old should have to be that strong though. No 11 year-old should have to grow-up that fast. But Esther’s story is not the only one. Too many girls are facing this situation, in many countries around the world.

At World Vision, we believe girls should be free to enjoy childhood; free from the fear of becoming a child bride. If you believe this too, there is something you can do: support International Day of the Girl Child and their campaign, in conjunction with organisations like World Vision around the world, to end child marriage.

Thanks to Claire for a wonderful reflection on the importance of the International Day of the Girl Child. Show your support by leaving a comment on our Facebook page or sharing this post with a friend, and don't forget to check back on our Facebook on Friday to share the message of the day with your friends.