EMBU: Two teenage girls who were defiled by their fathers say they have forgiven them. One of the girls, a 15-year-old who was later infected with HIV, says she is over the ordeal and looking forward to a good future.

The girl, who got pregnant after being defiled, also said she had forgiven her father. The two, now secondary school students, spoke during the World Population Day celebrations at the Embu University College grounds.

They said they had decided to share their experiences with the primary and secondary school students who attended the event to discourage them from engaging in early sex.

The girls said they chose to forgive their fathers as part of their healing process. One recounted how her father forced himself on her five years ago.

"I lived with my father after my mother died. One day, he came home drunk and forced himself on me. I later learnt he had infected me with HIV. He was handed a life sentence and will die in prison," she said, adding that her grandmother and a well-wisher sought treatment and counselling for her. She was later taken in by Toto Love Children's Home.

"Even though I went through that terrible experience, I do not hate men. I only hope that no one else goes through what I did," she said.

"I also urge men to treat women with respect. They should not mess our future up. Men should protect vulnerable girls and help them realise their dreams."

The second girl said her father refused to take her to secondary school after her KCPE exams. "That was when he started raping me," she said.

The girl shared her predicament with her teachers who reported the matter to the area chief. The man was also jailed for life.

Nuns from Good Shepherd Rescue Centre came to her rescue and cared for her until she gave birth. She later went back school.

Sister Nicolata Mwambi said most girls were defiled by family members and most cases remained unreported.