Teen actress shines a light on child marriage through powerful new film

Michelle Lemuya Ikeny's compelling portrayal in "Nawi" highlights a poignant issue affecting countless girls, seeking to inspire dialogue and reform across communities.

In a groundbreaking role, 15-year-old Michelle Lemuya Ikeny has taken on the challenging subject of child marriage in her debut film, “Nawi.” The coming-of-age story centers around a 13-year-old girl named Nawi, who is sold into marriage in her native Turkana, a rural region in northwestern Kenya. Despite facing potential ostracism for her portrayal, Michelle is determined to use her platform to spark crucial conversations about this often-taboo subject.

"My goal is to create awareness," she stated. "So many of my friends have had to leave school or never attended at all, simply because they were promised to older men in exchange for dowry."

Rooted in the pressing realities of her community—where UN data indicates that one in four girls are married before they turn 18—Michelle's performance has garnered acclaim, including an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Promising Actor.

"Nawi" tells the story of a bright student, who learns that her examination results are outstanding just as her father plans to marry her off to an affluent man named Shadrack for a hefty dowry. Instead of submitting to her fate, Nawi cleverly fakes her wedding night and escapes to chase her dreams. The narrative serves to challenge the societal acceptance of child marriage, despite it being illegal under Kenya’s Marriage Act.

Milcah Cherotich, the writer of the film, draws inspiration from her childhood experiences and the personal hardships of her sister, who was forced into marriage at a young age. Despite expected backlash in Turkana, she has already witnessed subtle shifts in perspective, evidenced by an emotionally charged screening for her uncle, a former supporter of child marriage.

The issue of child marriage is not confined to Kenya; it extends across sub-Saharan Africa, with the UN stating that girls in this region are at the greatest risk globally. Although there is a push to eradicate the practice by 2030, reports indicate that progress remains slow, especially in West and Central Africa.

With increasing visibility, the film has been screened at international venues like the UN headquarters and has garnered announcements of potential global releases. Local directors have also initiated screenings in remote regions to raise awareness among community elders.

Michelle expresses hope for the future, remarking, “If more people see ‘Nawi,’ it can change lives. Everyone has dreams—when those dreams are taken from you, it’s the worst feeling.” As the film continues to spread its message, it stands poised to empower the many girls trapped in the cycle of child marriage and inspire needed societal change.