Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, the star of "Nawi," a film addressing the issue of child marriage in Turkana, Kenya, hopes her performance will spark crucial conversations and change perceptions on a pervasive cultural issue affecting many girls.
Teenage Actress Raises Awareness on Child Marriage Through Film
Teenage Actress Raises Awareness on Child Marriage Through Film
A 15-year-old actress shines a spotlight on child marriage with her role in a new film, aiming to inspire dialogue on the topic in her community.
In a bold move, 15-year-old actress Michelle Lemuya Ikeny is using her platform to challenge the taboo surrounding child marriage through her role in "Nawi," a film that resonates deeply within her community in north-western Kenya. The film narrates the poignant story of a 13-year-old girl, Nawi, forced to marry an older man. Despite the risk of backlash for her portrayal, Ikeny emphasizes her desire to ignite essential conversations surrounding a topic often swept under the rug.
"I want the movie to spark conversations about this topic, because it's really not something people want to talk about," Ikeny shared in a recent interview. Hailing from Turkana, where the film is set, she reflects on the harsh reality that many of her peers have faced. According to the United Nations, a staggering one in four girls in the region are married before the age of 18.
When Ikeny learned that her character's fate involved being sold into marriage for livestock, she drew inspiration from the experiences of local girls, which culminated in a powerful performance that earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for best promising actor last November. Initially, she faced the opportunity as a simple school drama, but it evolved into a life-changing experience.
The film’s narrative notably highlights the urgency of addressing child marriage. Nawi's defiance manifests when she fakes her virginity after learning of her arranged marriage to a wealthy man named Shadrack, who offers 60 sheep, eight camels, and 100 goats in exchange. Her escape to Nairobi to chase her dream of education reflects the struggles of many girls who seek autonomy over their lives.
Milcah Cherotich, the film's writer and a native of Turkana, relayed her personal connection to the issue, disclosing that her sister was forced into marriage at a young age. Cherotich expresses her hope that "Nawi" will alter perceptions, a sentiment echoed by Ikeny, who believes empathy can drive change.
Despite the potential for backlash, Cherotich noted a moment of breakthrough when a family member, previously a supporter of child marriage, was moved to tears while watching an early screening of the film.
The impact of child marriage extends beyond Kenya, with UNICEF reporting that sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest incidence, where one in three girls marry before turning 18. Although progress has been made globally, West and Central Africa, in particular, are lagging severely in efforts to eradicate the practice.
"Nawi," which has been well-received in Kenya, recently screened at the UN headquarters in New York and is poised for international distribution. The directing team, including Toby Schmutzler, is eager to spread the film's message far and wide, recognizing the significant role that visibility plays in fostering dialogues about child marriage.
Beyond screenings, initiatives like building a new school in Turkana, aimed at educating girls and offering meals, have generated positive community feedback. As the film continues to draw interest, Ikeny expresses her vision for change: "When you watch the movie, try to put yourself in the shoes of Nawi, put yourselves in the shoes of all those 640 million girls," she implores, calling attention to the vast number of girls dreamt away by forced marriage.
