A few weeks ago I looked at my Instagram feed & came across the above image.

I immediately knew the people were from the Samburu tribe who are closely related to the Maasai. They share the same tribal language (Maa) along with many of the same customs.

The picture was taken by National Geographic photographer, Lynn Johnson.

I requested her permission to use her photograph for this blog post which she graciously allowed.

Here is what Lynn wrote to accompany her photo.

The November issue of National Geographic magazine discusses the state of women in the world today. Many women are rising up, fighting back, and succeeding in business and science. But this child, married at 13 years old, will remain invisible most of her life. She is flanked by her new husband and his best man. According to UNICEF, worldwide, one in three girls are married before the age of 15.

Just like the Samburu, early marriage among the rural Maasai is a serious problem faced by many girls.

They fear their parents will force them into an early marriage to a man who is anywhere from 10 to 40 years older than them.

Fathers and sometimes uncles receive a large dowery of cows and goats for these arranged marriages.

If it hasn’t happened yet, the husband will also demand the girl to undergo FGM (female genital mutilation).

If you have ever wondered how you might help one of these girls avoid this fate, the best way is supporting a charity that helps girls get an eduction.

MEET is exactly such an organization!

All the young women who I met in Kenya who finished secondary school were able to choose who they married; but also, when they married. (see my previous blog post below)

Helping a young girl avoid early marriage & continue their schooling will not only improve her overall life; but also, greatly benefit her future family’s well being.

Sincerely, Gina Rodgers - MEET President