At just 16 years old, Penina Cheptoo has already faced more hardship than many experience in a lifetime. The third of eight children, Penina was born into a polygamous family where her mother was the third of four wives. From an early age, Penina and her siblings suffered the devastating impact of her father’s alcoholism and gender-based violence. Their mother, seeking safety, fled with the children to relatives’ homes—an escape that would ultimately change Penina’s life for the better.
For years, Penina’s education was put on hold, and the threat of female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage loomed over her and her sisters. When they briefly returned home due to financial strain, their father arranged for Penina’s FGM. Refusing to be silenced, Penina escaped under cover of darkness and sought help from the village chief. Her brave plea prompted the chief to alert the police, and Penina, along with her friend Lilian Chemakit and other girls at risk, was rescued.
Branded a traitor by her own family, Penina had nowhere to turn—until a Good Samaritan directed her to the One Woman At A Time (OWAAT) Kenya office. Our coordinator, Moses Lokeris, welcomed Penina with open arms. For three years, she thrived at Ortum Girls’ Home, regaining her confidence and returning to school. Today, Penina is thriving in Year 9 at Psiywo Comprehensive School, where she’s celebrated as a role model for her peers.
Penina’s courage has not only saved her own future but inspired change in her community. Yet her journey is far from over. Without her father’s support, Penina relies on sponsors to continue her education and chase her dreams.
How You Can Help
By sponsoring Penina, you’ll provide her with school fees, uniforms, books and the stable home environment she deserves. Your support will empower her to complete her education and pave the way for a brighter future—for herself and her community.
Join us in standing with Penina. Visit https://onewomanatatime.co.uk/ to become her sponsor today and help transform her remarkable story of resilience into a reality of possibility.