"I will choose my own husband" - In Uganda, a child marriage survivor shares her story

AMUDAT, Uganda - In Uganda, 15 per cent of girls are married by 15 and three in ten will have their first child before their 18th birthday. 

Evelyn*, 16, is a rape survivor who narrowly escaped child marriage. Below, she speaks about her experience.

I was in primary school when, one day, I was informed that I was to be married. I loved going to school and studying, so the news devastated me. I knew it meant I would have to abandon my education, something I desperately didn’t want. I felt heartbroken and powerless. My father made the decision, and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t persuade him to let me continue my studies.

One day the man I was preparing to get married to raped me. It was horrible. I ran away from home and fled to the school. A teacher told me about ActionAid and so we contacted them and they rescued me. I was so thankful. I felt safe with them.

Shortly after, I discovered I was pregnant. I cried endlessly, thinking this was the end of my education and all the dreams I had for my future. But Sarah from [Spotlight Initiative's partner organization] ActionAid reassured me. She told me I didn’t have to give up on my goals and encouraged me to return to school. With her support, I did. I gave birth to a baby boy, Nathaniel*, and my mother is now caring for him so I can focus on my studies. 

I was able to complete primary school, and thanks to a scholarship, I am now attending secondary school in a boarding facility. If it weren’t for the support I received, my life would have been unbearable. Today, I am so happy to continue my education and work toward fulfilling my dreams. I want to become a doctor, serve as a role model for other girls, and support my family. 

Someday, I still hope to marry, but this time, I will choose my own husband.

*Name has been changed for privacy.

Extracted from 'Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme: Stories of Change'.