Last night I went with Aunt Margaret to look at an exhibit put on by her friends. It showcased the photography of young girls in Meru, Kenya. Their photography far exceeds mine; therefore my picture doesn’t do their work justice. Each collection included an autobiography from the photographer and a sample of their work with captions they wrote themselves.
The girls live and go to school at The St. Clare Girls’ Center. A refuge created so that they could escape horrific alternatives most girls in the country endure. As stated on their website:
A myth has developed that a person can be cured of HIV/AIDS if he has sexual relations with a virgin, and the female children are victims of this myth.
In Kenya, young girls (6-12 years) are often forced to marry older men and must work as their slaves, laboring intensively, caring for livestock, carrying wood and water, and doing their husband’s bidding. These children are targeted and sexually abused by both their older husbands and young warriors.
I can’t imagine what life is like for girls and I envy their strength. I know if it were me and I had an opportunity to leave the country and go to school I’d never look back; but all these girls want to stay and/or return and help their country.
If you’re in the area and can make the exhibit I would recommend it:
Through Our Eyes
March 16 – April 20, 2013
Swords Into Plowshares
Gallery and Peace Center
33 East Adams
Detroit, MI 48226
Gallery Hours: Th., Fri., Sat. Noon to 6:00 P.M.
http://www.swordsintoplowshares.org
CarrieDaway 