Teen Star Shines Light on Child Marriage Through Powerful Role

In a groundbreaking new film, 15-year-old Michelle Lemuya Ikeny shines as Nawi, highlighting the urgent conversation around child marriage in Kenya.

The 15-year-old actress Michelle Lemuya Ikeny portrays Nawi, a 13-year-old schoolgirl in the coming-of-age film set in Turkana County, northwestern Kenya. Ikeny is determined to spark discussions about child marriage, an issue often shrouded in silence. Growing up in Turkana, she witnessed peers leaving school due to early marriages, a harsh reality facing one in four girls in the region, according to the UN.

In her award-winning performance, Ikeny draws from her personal experiences and those of girls in her community. "So many of my friends have had to leave school or never went at all because they were married off," she shared. The film tells the story of Nawi, who defies her father's decision to marry her off to a wealthy elder for livestock. Instead, she fakes her wedding night and runs away to pursue her education in Nairobi.

As the film unfolds, Nawi's struggles become emblematic of the widespread and accepted occurrence of child marriage in Kenya, despite it being illegal for individuals under 18 to wed. Co-writer Milcah Cherotich, who draws inspiration from her own sister's forced marriage at 14, emphasizes the film's goal of raising awareness and changing cultural perceptions surrounding this practice.

Cherotich's uncle, a staunch supporter of child marriage, reportedly shifted his views after watching an early screening of the film, illustrating its potential influence on public perception. With child marriage prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa, where one in three girls marry before turning 18, this film aims to amplify global conversations. While some backlash is anticipated in Turkana, the filmmakers remain hopeful.

For the international release, casting directors Toby Schmutzler and Apuu Mourrine are optimistic about spreading the film's critical message, mentioning it has already garnered attention at various film festivals. They are also pleased with community responses, incorporating free screenings in local areas, including refugee camps, where they strive to engage both youth and elders.

In collaboration with Learning Lions, a new school has been established in Turkana, furthering the film’s mission to empower young girls through education. During difficult circumstances exacerbated by drought, providing free meals and education fosters hope in the community.

Ikeny believes that through storytelling and visibility, the plight of girls affected by child marriage can change. "When you watch the movie, try to put yourself in the shoes of all those 640 million girls," she said, emphasizing the dreams and aspirations crushed by early marriage.

Through powerful narratives like Nawi's, advocates hope to drive significant change, as they join forces to combat child marriage and ensure every girl can pursue her dreams unhindered.