Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Mothers

Mujawayesu M. Claire

Marie Claire is the eldest of three children. Her father passed away, leaving her mother as the sole caregiver. At the age of 15, Marie Claire was proposed to by a boy, but she declined his advances. However, this boy orchestrated a group assault, and Marie Claire was raped. When she reported the incident to her mother, she was met with refusal to seek justice through the police.

As a result of the assault, Marie Claire became pregnant. Her mother not only failed to support her but also frequently teased her about her situation. Neighbors provided food for Marie Claire, as her mother did not. Eventually, her mother abandoned her.

In desperation to feed her child, Marie Claire was exploited by another boy who offered to help her obtain food. Unfortunately, this assistance came with a terrible cost, as he also raped her, leading to a second pregnancy. This situation highlights the extreme vulnerability and lack of support faced by young victims of sexual violence in similar circumstances.