This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Kenyan Women Share Heartbreaking Stories of Child Molestation ¶
Published on July 30, 2019
A recent Facebook thread has shed light on the disturbing prevalence of child molestation in Kenya, with many women bravely sharing their traumatic experiences at the hands of relatives.
One woman, Pearl, recounted how she was molested by her uncle when she was in Grade Four. 'I didn't realise I was defiled until I grew up,' she confessed. 'I lost my virginity to my uncle. My Mum's brother. He was older than me.'
Many other women joined the conversation, describing heinous acts they endured at the hands of people who were traditionally meant to protect them: brothers, cousins, uncles, and close family friends.
'I was raped by my cousins (two brothers) who were older than me by far,' a second woman confessed. 'I lost my virginity to my brothers. I was the only girl.'
Reading through the thread, it's clear that the trauma inflicted on these young girls has had a lasting impact on their lives. Many have struggled with relationships, trust issues, and low self-esteem as a result of their experiences.
One woman admitted to wetting her bed until she was 13, while another confessed that trusting anyone now is hard. 'My esteem... There's something in me that has never been the same,' another user wrote.
Despite the pain and shame they've endured, the women in the thread are calling on parents to create an environment that makes it easier for their little ones to speak up when they're going through something that troubles them.
'As mothers, let's be actively involved in our kids' lives. Let's make them our best friends. Let's teach them that it's okay for them to tell us anything no matter how stupid it may sound,' one mother urged.
By sharing their stories, these women hope to raise awareness about the prevalence of child molestation in Kenya and encourage others to speak out against this heinous crime.
