By Nadine Nirere
My name is Bwiza (name changed). I was born around 2002. I never knew my parents, my mother died during childbirth, and my father was not involved in my life. I was raised by religious sisters.
When I was 13, a woman without children took me in. Although she cared for me, conflicts in her household forced her to send me to live with another woman she trusted. Unfortunately, that home became a place of exploitation and abuse. I was forced to work long hours, denied proper food, and was subjected to severe mistreatment.
One day, I experienced a life-threatening incident that left me extremely weak and hospitalized. After my recovery, the woman who had first taken me in came back to care for me again, even though her own life was unstable.
One day, while fetching water, I lost consciousness and was sexually assaulted. I did not tell anyone, as I felt ashamed and afraid. Weeks later, I learned I was pregnant. I felt overwhelmed and hopeless, with no family or support system, and struggled deeply with my mental health. Before leaving the country, the woman who had raised me gave me a small amount of money so I could survive on my own.
I rented a small house and later gave birth to a baby girl. Life was extremely hard. I was isolated, depressed, and unsure how to move forward.
One morning, two sociotherapists visited my home. They introduced themselves and invited me to join a group called Mvura Nkuvure. At first, I refused. I did not believe anyone could understand me, and I was afraid to open up.
When I finally joined the group, I barely spoke during the first session. But as the sessions continued, something changed. I heard other women share their pain, and realized I was not alone. We cried together, listened to one another, and slowly began to heal.
Through sociotherapy, I found hope again. I started to see myself not just as a survivor, but as a person with a future. Today, I can work, care for my child, and plan for my life. I feel stronger, more confident, and supported by people who understand me.
I now dream of starting a small business. Before sociotherapy, I could not imagine a future for myself. Today, I know my life has changed. I am no longer alone, and I have taken back control of my life.