Photo essay

Teenage pregnancy, early marriage crush Miria’s dreams

It all happened at the age of 12

UNICEF Uganda
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
28 April 2018

In Namutumba, Miria’s district of Eastern Uganda, 8 out of 10 girls are married off before their 18th birthday. The Probation Officer confirms that an average of 5 child marriage related cases are received every month, while many go unreported. Miria’s case is one of the few cases reported.

child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
It all happened at the age of 12 Pregnant at only 12 years. Out of school at 12 years while in her final year of primary school level. Forced into marriage at 12 years.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka

We were so needy, my father forced me into marriage with the father of my child,” she asserts. “My dream of becoming a mathematics teacher were crushed! I lost many opportunities.

Miria says.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
Miria was rejected by her in-laws. “They removed the roof of the house in which I stayed with my ‘husband’ in order to get rid of me. I was later sent away from the homestead,” she laments.
SAUTI national child helpline in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda
How Miria was rescued. Pregnant and homeless, Miria begun her challenging journey. By dialling the national Child Helpline 116, Miria’s plight was reported and she was rescued by the district probation office. She was taken GBV shelter for protection.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
After a successful delivery of her baby – Sam, at a health facility she returned home, when he was 6 months old. Miria is currently living with her mother after the passing of her father. “Life was very hard, I didn’t have any support!” Miria recalls.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
At the Gender Based Violence (GBV) shelter, Miria received counselling and psychosocial support to aid her healing. She also received training in hair dressing, a skill that has changed her life.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka
Today, Miria works hard to fend for herself and her two year old son at only 14 years. She works at Busy Hands’ hair salon earning 100,000 -approximately $27 - on a good day. “With this skill, am optimistic about ‘our’ future,” she mentions.
child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda
UNICEF Uganda/2018/Nakibuuka

To all the girls out there, focus on your education, it will give you a bright future.” “I plan to educate my son. I want him to become a doctor and with an education, he will have a better life.

Miria ends.

Related topics

Child marriage
Teenage pregnancy
Motherhood
Uganda
ESARO

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