Rebekah vs. the shadow pandemic: COVID-19 fuels violence in Africa, Just1 fights back
It’s been called the “shadow pandemic” of the COVID-19 crisis — violence against women and girls. According to a recent survey of African women, it’s on the rise.
73% reported a hike in intimate partner violence
51% mentioned sexual violence
32% indicated a surge in early and forced marriage
But while the pandemic has exacerbated the problem of violence in countries like Kenya, it can’t overshadow the power of people coming together to support one another. That power is what Just1 is all about. And over the years, we’ve joined together to care for some amazing kids in Kenya.
Wondering if you can make a difference? You can. Here’s a real story about how Just1 supporters have helped changed the life of a young lady named Rebekah.
Hurt by those who are supposed to protect
Picture this. A grandmother in a large slum in Nakuru, Kenya is known as being the filthiest. The state of her home makes your eyes burn and water, and takes your breath away. She forces her girls into prostitution around age 11. By the time her daughter is 17 years old, the girl has had three children of her own and dies of AIDS.
The era of abuse comes to an end at our Safe House
The three girls were rescued from a life of forced prostitution (aka slavery) and brought to the Safe House. Rebekah, the oldest, was 5 years old when her life was forever changed. Now 14, she has grown up surrounded by love and opportunity. She’s the Head Girl for her entire school and the top student. She has a sweet, quiet and giving spirit and is full of laughter.
Because of the generosity of our supporters that keep the Safe House running, the cycle of abuse has come to an end, and new, healthy traditions can begin.
Cooking up new dreams
From an early age, Rebekah wanted to learn to bake. At the Safe House, she had the opportunity to do just that. Today she cooks the most amazing treats. She has even baked for a hotel and makes cakes for parties. Blessed with the gift of Hospitality, she uses her talents to bring people together.
“I would like to be a baker and a chef,” says Rebekah, “So when I finish my schooling, I’d like to own my own company and help people just like me, the orphans and the people who cannot help themselves.”
Our goal is to empower the young women in our care to make their dreams a reality. Through the support of people like you, Rebekah will attend baking school after she graduates high school so she can continue to sharpen her culinary skills.
Strict confinement measures and school shutdowns have made conditions worse for many women and children in Kenya. We were blessed to be able to visit Rebekah and the other girls on our 2020 trip to see how they are thriving. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in taking a stand against sexual violence. Your support has truly made a difference.
Will you help us end the cycle?
More than 10 million children are victims of sexual exploitation around the world. And even just one child victimized is one too many. Breaking the cycle isn’t easy, but with your help we’re turning lives around, one at a time.
Want to help a girl like Rebekah live a life full of opportunity? Visit our donation page to make a one-time or recurring contribution.
