Rosemary’s story
My name is Rosemary, and I am 20 years old. As I sit in my small home on Matangini Street in Mlimba, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. It’s been a path filled with challenges, judgment, and hardship, but it’s also a story of resilience, hope, and the incredible power of education and support.
When I was 17, I found out I was pregnant. I was in Form IV at the time, and the news hit me like a storm. Fear gripped my heart as I imagined my mother’s reaction and the inevitable judgment from my community in Mngete village. Desperate and terrified, I decided to keep my pregnancy a secret while I continued my studies. Every day was a struggle, hiding my growing belly, managing the physical strain, and dealing with the ever-present anxiety. Despite everything, I managed to sit for my NECTA exams.
But secrets like mine don’t stay hidden forever. When my pregnancy was finally revealed, the reaction was swift and brutal. I became the subject of gossip and ridicule, a laughingstock among my peers and neighbors. My mother, overwhelmed with disappointment and societal pressure, told me I had to leave. With nowhere else to go, I found refuge at my grandmother’s place in a neighboring ward.
Living with my grandmother was both a blessing and a challenge. The rural setting offered little support for a young mother like me. The responsibilities of motherhood were heavy, and the isolation was sometimes overwhelming. But in this quiet place, I found a glimmer of hope, the peer educators from SYV – Sauti ya Vijana.
Peer educators Emmanuel Maya introduced me to a world of knowledge and support I never knew existed. They provided me with friendly, youth-centered sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education. For the first time, I learned about the availability of accurate and accessible SRHR services. They spoke to me with respect and understanding, breaking down the barriers of shame and stigma that had surrounded me since my pregnancy was revealed.
Through SYV, I found not only information but a community. I met other young mothers who had faced similar challenges, and together we formed a support network. The peer educators offered guidance on everything from contraceptive options to child care, empowering me to make informed decisions about my SRHR and future.
With renewed confidence, I began to rebuild my life. I moved to Mlimba, Matangini Street, where I found work and started to save money. My experiences had taught me resilience and determination. I became an advocate for youth-friendly SRHR services, sharing my story to inspire others and break the cycle of stigma and misinformation.
My journey has been a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and support. It highlights the urgent need for accessible and compassionate SRHR services for youth, especially for those facing societal and familial challenges. My story is a reminder that with the right support, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcame and new paths can be forged towards a brighter, more informed future.
To all the young people out there, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is help out there, and it’s okay to seek it. Your past does not define your future, and with the right support, you can rise above any challenge.
