“The Bride Rescue Project”: The Empowerment of Maasai Girls and Women

Abstract

Ms. Kikuvi will be sharing about the Bride Rescue Project, which is located in Kajiado, Kenya (about a three-hour drive from Nairobi). The Bride Rescue Project essentially provides a range of support services for Maasai girls as young as nine years old, who are fleeing from genital mutilation and forced marriage. The Bride Rescue Project began in 1986 when a young girl learned it was her time to be “prepared” and married off.

The girl ran away to a local school and gave Ms. Priscilla Nangurai, then a head teacher of the girls’ boarding school and a Maasai, a note which simply said “Help me”.

Maasai girls and mothers seeking to protect their daughters, Ms. Nangurai, and like-minded others have worked tirelessly on behalf of Maasai girls in similar situations ever since, and their efforts evolved into the Bride Rescue Project. Through these efforts, these girls are sheltered, able to continue their education, get health care, and are assisted with safely reconciling with their families if desired.

Margaret Kikuvi, MSW Candidate
University: University of Nairobi
Organization: International Partners in Mission, Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Title of Presentation: “The Bride Rescue Project”: The Empowerment of Maasai Girls and Women