Furaha, not her real name, a Class Three pupil at a school in Kisumu’s Nyalenda. Just like any other pupil in her class, she would occasionally drift to wonderland, fantasising how her future, long after school, would be. But all that now is a distant dream.

Furaha was defiled by a regular customer to her mother’s brew den in Nyalenda B Estate. The 13-year-old, is now part of the statistics of teenage pregnancies which has dogged the country, even as safety of women remains a major issue.

She is among 17 girls and four boys, aged between two and 17, who are currently seeking refuge at a local rescue home, pondering their next move in a bid to reconstruct their lives.

Gender activists in Kisumu have raised the red flag over gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies as Kenya joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day today.

Some of the teenage mothers recovering at the rescue centre in Kisumu appealed to well-wishers to help them change their lives.

Elizabeth Mokkonen, their caregiver, wears different hats — mother, teacher, counselor and provider — who has turned her house into a rescue centre, and working through her Community Forum for Advanced Development (Cofas), is trying to restore the lives of the girls.

Cofas participated inWomen’s Day celebration which was set for Chiga Dispensary in Kisumu East.

The day is celebrated on March 8 annually and this year’s  theme is “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.” It puts innovation by women and girls, for women and girls, at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality.

Back at the centre, Furaha was preparing to attend an adult education class after she failed to secure a place at the local primary schools due to her age.

“When she gave birth, we moved her from the school to avoid stigma, but we did not manage to secure her a place in another school,” said Mokkonen.

Even though the girl’s both parents are alive, they could not give her the protection she deserved as a female child. She has been at the rescue centre for almost a year now.

ANOTHER TEENAGER

Another teenager, who was rescued from Manyatta three years ago after getting pregnant, is at the centre with her two-year-old baby.

The second born in a family of three had been part of a peer group participating in entertainment projects before she approached the centre and shared her story.

“After I got pregnant, I contemplated marriage, but I was scared. I explained my situation to Mokkonen who invited me here. I am happy and thankful for giving me a second chance,” she said.

Just like her peer, she is enrolled in the adult education class after failing to secure a place as a Class Five pupil. Despite all odds, she says, one day she will fulfill her dream of becoming a pilot.

Another 16-year-old also at the centre is eight months pregnant and her alleged defiler is currently in police custody as the case proceeds. The girl, an orphan, was in Class Six when she was defiled by her uncle’s friend. She, however, hopes that after giving birth, she will resume studies and later pursue a course in catering.

Mokkonen and her helper who works as the matron take care of the babies as their teenage mothers attend lessons.

And as the world celebrates Women’s Day, the Cofas founder says defilement remains a menace.

Mokkonen and her helper who works as the matron take care of the babies as their teenage mothers attend lessons.

And as the world celebrates Women’s Day, the Cofas founder says defilement remains a menace.